《10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine》


 Chapter 1: Stuck

    <h4>Chapter 1: Stuck</h4>


    "Stepbrother, I''m stuck."


    Yes. I was just as shocked as you are right now. Because, first things first, how?


    How does anyone get stuck in the washing machine? That thing''s spacious enough to fit a full grown adultfortably.


    And second? Why in the heavenly hells will she say it like that?


    "What the fuck are you staring at?! I know you''re staring!" Her irritated voice came from within the machine, her lower body stuck outside. She wriggled, trying to pull herself out.


    Out of nature and things beyond my control, my eyes roamed over her legs and those- ahem. Those yoga pants. Yes. That was what I was about to say.


    "Get me out of here!" She snapped, still trying to wriggle out.


    I took a step forward and that''s when things took a turn for the worse.


    [Ding! Stamp Holder Detected!]


    My eyes widened in horror. "Fuck, no." I whispered underneath my breath. "Fucking No!"


    Unfortunately, I had no say in the matter.


    [][][][][]


    Now, I know what you''re wondering. Why such a reaction to a system message? How did I get here when six months ago I didn''t even have one stepsister and now I have seven?


    Simple.


    This is not my first life.


    Okay, let me start from the beginning.


    This all began in another world where I was rushing to the bus stop, alreadyte for work. Yes, I could''ve driven to work like my peers but there''s just a teeny tiny problem. I didn''t have a car.


    You see, while my peers were graduating college and slumming it out at internships, I dropped out and started my ownpany. Unfortunately, it didn''t work out and here I was, trying to catch up with everybody else.


    But that wasn''t even my biggest regret. My biggest regret was giving away the three hundred bitcoins I had on a whim just before bitcoin got big. Talk about hindsight. But I didn''t let that stop me from trying my best to be as wealthy as I can be.


    That was why I noticed the kid. Not because he was rich but because he was standing next to a Rolls Royce, admiring it.


    I smiled, seeing a younger version of myself in him. I was just as young as he was when I saw how the rich lived and gained my dream.


    I smiled, thinking of what could have been when it happened. I heard the loud re of a truck and seemingly out of nowhere, it appeared,veering straight at the kid.


    I had no idea when my legs started moving. I knew that it wasn''t out of the goodness of my heart or anything. Maybe it was just an involuntary reaction from me but before I could snap back to reality, I had already reached the kid.


    Without thinking too much, I pushed the kid out of the way and turned to meet my death. I was only able to get out two words before the truck smashed me into paste.


    "Ah, shit."


    [][][][][]


    I snapped awake and surged upward, gasping and choking. My brain was in panic mode as I had no idea what was going on.


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    Am I dying a second time?


    I opened my mouth to call for help and choked, water flooding into my mouth. I writhed around, my arms hitting the side of the container I was in.


    Did I die from getting hit by a truck only to die again by suffocation?! No!


    I stretched out my hands and felt them break through the surface of the water. I iled around until my hands hit something solid. I quickly grabbed onto it like the drowning man that I was and pulled myself up.


    My body broke through the surface of the water with a ssh and I immediately inhaled, sucking in delicious, lifesaving air.


    I coughed and gasped, struggling to fill my burning lungs.


    I sat there for an indeterminable amount of time, breathing in and out. After long minutes of this, I was finally calm enough to take note of my surroundings. That was when I realized I had been in a bathtub all along.


    Let me tell you, I have never felt so embarrassed in my life.


    It''s very hrious and extremely ridiculous when one thinks about it. Die by a truck and get reincarnated, only to immediately drown in a bathtub.


    I sighed, shaking my head.


    Though the situation is embarrassing, I felt relieved that I was safe and in no mortal danger.


    It was now that I was now able to think straight. I looked around in confusion, wondering how I got here and why I was sitting fully clothed in a bathtub.


    Thest thing I remembered was-


    I yelled in pain as the memories began flooding my brain. It was as if someone had hit my head with a baseball bat. After a few seconds, the pain disappeared and the memories settled as if they had been there all along.


    I blinked, rubbing my eyes as I sorted out what was happening. I had died and gone to heaven but that''s a story forter.


    The important thing here was that I had been given a second chance at life. I had been reincarnated as someone else but unlike regr reincarnations, minees with a time limit.


    Right now, my name is Nico Voss and I''m the illegitimate and only son of billionaire, Logan Voss.


    I''m also the forgotten child due to my birth status, hidden away by my father. I also have seven step sisters who were much closer to him than I was. My whole life had been spent, trying not to attract his attention in any way.


    I felt dizzy and my head spun for a moment. I was Nico Voss and at the same time, I was Nico from earth.


    Nico Voss had been so depressed with his situation in life and from being deprived of meaningful human contact and had taken his own life in the bathtub.


    And now as Nico Voss, all I had was five years to inherit everything that belonged to Logan Voss or my new life would be taken away from me.


    Shit.


    That was when salvation came in the form of a blue screen appearing in front of me.


    [Ding! 10x Cashback System activated.]

 Chapter 2: 10x Cashback System

    <h4>Chapter 2: 10x Cashback System</h4>


    [Ding! 10x Cashback System activated.]


    The blue screen hovered in front of me like it was being held up by invisible angels. I closed my eyes and shook my head. When I opened it, it was still there.


    "What the fuck?" I muttered to myself. Then, I reached out and my hand touched the solid screen.


    After verifying that it was in fact real and not a hallucination, I did what everyone who knew what a system is would do.


    "Holy shit! Hallelujah!" I was never religious but a system? Fuck yeah. My eyes quickly scanned the floating blue box.


    [Wee, Nico Voss.]


    [Your mission is to climb over your seven stepsisters and inherit your father''s wealth.]


    [The 10x Cashback System will assist you in umting wealth through seduction and interaction with 99 different women, known as Stamp Holders.]


    I blinked at the screen in shock. "99 women?" I muttered. "That''s insane."


    [By seducing the Stamp Holders and sleeping with them, you gain their stamp, thereby, getting ten times their wealth.]


    [Good luck!]


    After I finished reading, a grin slowly began stretching across my face. I just hit the jackpot.


    This had to be what people call a golden ticket! This was my shot. My advantage.


    The original Nico might have been too timid to face his father and stepsisters, but with this system, I had the perfect weapon to fight back.


    The sheer potential hit me like a ton of bricks. If I could seduce 99 wealthy women, I''d gain ten times their wealth and umte enough money to drown my stepsisters in cash. I wouldn''t just catch up to them. I''d leave them in the dust.


    The first step was simple. Use this system to build enough wealth to get my father''s attention. From there, I''d make my way to the top, and I wouldn''t just inherit his fortune. I''d surpass him.


    Excitement buzzed in my veins, but reality soon caught up as I nced down at my drenched, fully clothed body sitting in the bathtub.


    "Right. First things first." I stood up, peeling off the wet clothes that clung to me like a second skin, and stepped into the shower.


    As the hot water streamed down, washing away what remained of the old Nico, I began to n.


    My father, Logan Voss, was a man known for being ruthless when it came to his wealth.


    He was known throughout the world for his uncanny ability to hold onto the lion''s share of his worth, even with four divorces, so I knew the man wasn''t someone who would be easily fooled. Worse still, he wanted nothing to do with me.


    And my stepsisters? They were the favored ones, his legal daughters, raised under his roof and nurtured by his wealth. Each of them had a foot in the door to his empire, leaving me with little more than scraps and handouts.


    But with the 10x Cashback System, I wouldn''t need his charity. I could carve out my own fortune and force him to acknowledge me. That was the key.


    Once I had the money, I could pull myself into his inner circle, make myself indispensable, and then... take everything.


    This was my second life, and I wasn''t going to waste it being invisible.


    As I stepped out of the shower, I moved to therge mirror on one side of the wall. I nodded at seeing my reflection.


    I had dark hair and blue eyes. Coupled with my sharp jaw and tall frame, I was very handsome.


    Fortunately for Logan Voss, I took most of my facial features from my dead mother. And fortunately for me, I looked the same as I did in my previous life. This had to be why I had been put in this body.


    As I dried myself off and walked out of the bathroom, the towel fell from my hands and my jaws dropped.


    It was as if I had entered another world. Honestly, I should''ve known by how big the bathroom was. Everything had just seemed normal.


    The bedroom was bigger than some people''s apartment with a king sized bed that had a bold gold-leafed headboard.


    My memories of this ce reasserted itself and my sense of shock faded away to leave behind indifference. I was Nico Voss and I saw this everyday.


    Even with that, my sense of wonder still remained.


    I knew that every furniture in the room was custom made and hand carved.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    I knew that those curtains covering that wall actually hid floor to ceiling windows that gave a beautiful view of thepound and the city beyond it.


    I knew I had an automated control panel by the bed that adjusts everything in the room from the temperature to the lighting.


    I even had a private sauna attached to the bathroom.


    My legs took me out of the bedroom to look out over the house and confirm what I already knew.


    Glowing chandeliers, plush carpets, marble floors, everything about the house screamed wealth.


    But I knew what it was. A gilded cage. A luxurious prison to keep me out of sight and out of mind.


    I shook my head and stepped back into the bedroom, picking up the fallen towel and wrapping it around my waist.


    It didn''t take long for me to find the walk-in closet. The rows of clothes were arranged before me, but nothing stood out.


    No designer brands, no luxury suits, not even those tshirts the rich wore that had no brand name. There was nothing that even hinted at money.


    The original Nico had lived low-key, blending into the background just as his father had wanted.


    Even his wardrobe reflected his fear of being noticed. He had been given a credit card by his father''s secretary, but he''d barely touched it, living frugally to avoid his father''s attention.


    "Not anymore." I muttered, pulling out something simple but clean. A in shirt and a pair of jeans. Serviceable. At least for now.


    Once the system kicks in, I won''t be picking out in clothes anymore. I''d be making statements. I needed to be that bold if I wanted to get anybody''s attention.


    I dressed quickly and nced at the mirror once again. Nico Voss stared back at me.


    The same Nico who took his own life in this very house, defeated by his stepsisters'' dominance and his father''s indifference.


    But there was a difference now. This Nico wasn''t the same. I had a purpose, and with this system, I had the power to make it happen.

 Chapter 3: Stamp Holder Detected

    <h4>Chapter 3: Stamp Holder Detected</h4>


    I made my way downstairs to the garage, picking up my backpack on the way.


    The original Nico had been a senior at the university, and I needed to continue that role for now, at least until I could get the ball rolling on my n.


    So, how do I get there? I searched my memories and frowned. "That can''t be true."


    My legs led me to the garage and opened the door to confirm what my memories were telling me.


    It was empty.


    No sports cars. No luxury sedans. Nothing.


    The original Nico didn''t even like to drive. He''d taken the bus to university to avoid drawing attention to himself.


    And this brings me to the question. Who in the heavens has ess to as much money as he wants but still doesn''t want to buy a scooter? An ordinary scooter?!


    I could feel my annoyance building up inside me, but I swallowed it down. Now was not the time for this.


    "Bus it is." I muttered to myself.


    As I walked out of the mini mansion and stepped out onto the street, I took a deep breath. This was the start. The first step in a long journey.


    I didn''t have any Stamp Holders in sight yet, but I knew they were out there.


    Ny-nine women stood between me and the future I wanted, and I would seduce everyst one of them if I had to.


    Every thousand miles journey began with a thousand steps and mine began with walking to the bus stop.


    As exciting as it was to know that I had a system that could turn my life around, that excitement was tempered by the fact that I was still taking the bus.


    The empty garage back home was like a noticeboard, reminding me of just how far behind I waspared to my stepsisters.


    They all had their luxury rides and chauffeurs, while I was left standing at a bus stop like every other broke college student. That was one thing I couldn''t wait to change.


    When the bus arrived, I climbed in, only to be greeted by every citizen''s worst nightmare. A packed crowd. Every seat was taken. I had no other choice but to stand like themoner that I was.


    I sighed, gripping the rail above my head. I died trying to catch the bus and now I had to repeat the same scene except this time, I actually caught the bus.


    I could have avoided both incidents if I just had a fucking car!


    Fuck this! After sses today, I''ll be buying a car with my father dearest''s card.


    There was waiting for the system to pay off and then, there was punishing oneself because one didn''t want to spend too much. Going without a car when you can clearly afford one is just punishment.


    At the next stop, the bus doors hissed open. I was jarred out of my thoughts when I heard the familiar chime of the system in my head.


    [Ding! Stamp Holder detected!]


    I blinked in surprise at the blue screen. I hadn''t even spent twenty four hours as Nico Voss and I already have a target? The system sure does work fast.


    I nced around and saw something in the corner of my eye. I turned fully to see a small blue arrow pointing down at someone who had just entered the bus.


    I frowned as the woman stopped at the entrance, staring at the crowded bus. She wore oversized sunsses and arge sun hat, clearly trying to go blend in. All it did was make her stick out like a sore thumb.


    But one thing I''m grateful for is that her ridiculous getup was why it took me all of two seconds to recognize her.


    M Devon. One of the most famous social media influencers around.


    She was everywhere. Magazine covers, Instagram feeds, high-end parties, you name it.


    Known for her beauty, wealth, andvish lifestyle, she had millions of followers who adored her morous life. She also attended the same university I did and was its poster girl.


    Put all these together and she was practically a goddess in the city.


    But what the hell was she doing on a bus?


    I''m sure you can imagine the frown on my face as I watched M scan the bus for an empty seat. When she didn''t find any, she grudgingly walked to the middle, standing directly beside me.


    She sipped her coffee, hiding behind the cup as if it was herst line of defense against the public eye.


    I couldn''t help but wonder what had brought her here. She definitely wasn''t the type to ride public transport. After all, she had a fleet of expensive cars. So why was she standing here like any regr person?


    I frowned, debating my next move.


    The system had already identified her as a Stamp Holder, which meant I needed to seduce her and sleep with her to im her stamp. The reward? Ten times her wealth. And with someone like M, that amount would be life changing to the average citizen.


    But here''s the problem. M brushes shoulders with the rich and wealthy and here I was, dressed in the in clothes of a college student, not someone who belonged in her elite circle.


    The only possible oue I can see from approaching her now would be her brushing me off or maybe even publicly humiliating me.


    This wasn''t the time or ce to make a move.


    I held off, figuring there would be another opportunity when the moment was right. For now, I needed to y it cool and keep my head down. If I came on too strong, I could blow my chance.


    As we neared the university bus stop, the bus driver suddenly mmed on the brakes. The tires screeched as a car sped recklessly into the university gates barely missing the bus.


    The sudden jolt sent everyone lurching forward. M''s coffee cup tipped, and before I could react, sshed coffee across my shirt.


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    "Hey, watch it!" The driver yelled at the roaring sports car.


    "Fuck!" I cursed, ring down at the brown stain that was now spreading across my chest. I''ll have to get a new shirt.


    The other bus passengers were murmuring in annoyance as they tried to steady themselves, but M had already moved, slipping out of the bus as soon as it stopped. She didn''t even look my way or stop to apologize.


    "Oh no, you don''t." I growled under my breath, following her out of the bus.


    "Hey!" I called after her, stepping in front of her path. "You spilled your coffee all over my shirt. What are you going to do about it?"


    M froze. Her face was hidden behind those oversized sunsses, but I could tell by the way she clenched her jaw that she wasn''t used to being confronted like this, especially by someone she likely saw as beneath her.


    With an irritated sigh, she reached into her bag and pulled out a glossy business card. She practically shoved it into my hand, her voice t and dismissive. "Call me."


    Without waiting for me to respond, she walked away, disappearing into the backseat of a luxury car that had just pulled up.


    The vehicle sped off, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, holding her card and staring down at my ruined shirt.


    M Devon.


    Her contact information was neatly printed on the card in gold lettering, but I doubt it actually led to her personal phone.


    It didn''t matter though. She might have been trying to brush me off, but she had given me an opening.


    Just as I slipped the card into my pocket, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.


    "Holy Shit! Was that... M Devon?"

 Chapter 4: The First Step

    <h4>Chapter 4: The First Step</h4>


    I turned to see a familiar face staring at me incredulously.


    "Hey Matt." I greeted him with a small smirk on my face.


    Matthew Hardin. He was my best friend and confidant. We''d attended the same high school and followed tradition, enrolling in the same university.


    "Don''t you ''hey Matt'' me." He stepped towards me, his face snapping from me to the direction M''s car had gone and back to me again as if he had no idea what to think. "That was M Devon, wasn''t it?"


    Where I was tall, Matt was of average height. While he wasn''t bad looking, he also couldn''t really be called handsome. But he had the brightest green eyes and a smile that could melt hearts.


    He was the optimistic friend between us, always trying to push me to be more social. Matt was aware that I was Logan Voss'' son and dly kept my secret like the loyal friend that he was.


    "Yes, that was M Devon." I answered him. "And she spilled her coffee all over my shirt."


    "And you just... got her card?" Matt stared at me, not knowing whether to be in shock or admiration.


    "Yep." I said, pocketing the card. I looked around the street, searching my memories for the nearest boutique. I needed to rece my shirt.


    Matt shook his head, still in awe. "I can''t believe you just casually ran into one of the most famous influencers around and even got her number."


    I chuckled and began walking in the correct direction, Matt walking beside me.


    "You know what?" He asked. "I''m impressed. Didn''t think you had it in you, boyo."


    "Trust me. There''s more where that came from."


    Matt stumbled before recovering, frowning at me. "Wait a minute. There''s something different about you today. Normally, you''d be slinking around like a quiet mouse, dragging the dark clouds around with you."


    "True." I nodded. There''s no way Matt wouldn''t notice the change in attitude, so there was no need to hide it. It wasn''t like I wasn''t Nico Voss. Besides, I have a very good reason to exin the change.


    "I''ve decided, Matt." I turned to him even as we walked. "I''m going to inherit my father''s empire."


    Matt stumbled again, this time, choking on his own spit. This was my n. Keep him in shock, until enough time passed for him to get to the new me. Before long, he wouldn''t even find my behavior strange.


    "What?!" He asked as he recovered his footing. "You want to-" He cut himself off, looking around to ensure nobody was listening in and lowered his voice like he was discussing the end of the world. "You want to inherit your father''s empire?!"


    "Yes." I nodded, pushing open the door to the boutique and making my way to the men''s section.


    "Dude! That''s.... that''s..." He struggled to find the correct words before giving up. "Are you sure, Nico? You know what this means. You''ll be going against not just your sisters but also your father too."


    I picked out a gray t-shirt that was my size, stopped and turned to look at Matt, meeting his eyes.


    "Yes, Matt. I know exactly what this means." I held his gaze for a second, showing him exactly how serious I was.


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    He must have seen something in my eyes because he blinked, whispering, "damn."


    I turned, walked to the checkout counter and paid for the shirt. Matt was silent, thinking about what had just happened.


    I used the opportunity to head to the boutique''s fitting room and change into my new shirt.


    I walked out and motioned to Matt. I just made a split second decision. "Come on. Let''s find somewhere to discuss this. We''ll be missing ss today."


    He followed me without a word and in a few minutes time, we were sitting in a cafe, sipping coffee. Or at least I was. Matt was drinking Chai Latte.


    "Okay." He finally spoke up. "You want to be the next king? What''s your n?"


    I leaned back in my chair, cing my coffee on the table. "First, I''ll seduce M Devon."


    "What?" Matt frowned. "What does seducing M Devon have to do with taking over your father''s empire?"


    Of course, I wasn''t going to tell him about the 10x cashback system. The part of me that was Nico Voss trusted him but the part of me that was just Nico knew I''d be stupid to not take this secret to the grave.


    But don''t worry. I had an actual exnation for my actions.


    "Do you know the most important part of being rich?" I asked Matt.


    "Having money?" He said the answer like it was obvious.


    "No." I smiled. "It''s knowing the right people."


    He frowned but didn''t say anything, letting me speak.


    "The poor know no one but the rich know the right people to help grow their wealth. Knowing the right people means getting the right information and getting the right opportunities."


    "A poor man won''t have info on apany''s merger and won''t be able to take advantage of it to generate wealth but the rich can get ess to that information and use it."


    "Thew calls it insider trading but the rich call it making money."


    Matt nodded along in understanding. He knew exactly what I was talking about. The rich get richer by knowing when to enter and when to leave, all by knowing the right people.


    "I''ve lived in the dark all my life, Matt. What I need right now is to know the right people. I can''t rely on my family and nobody else knows who I am. There''s only one way to enter high society at this moment."


    Matt''s eyes widened and he whispered. "M Devon."


    "Exactly." I grinned. "M Devon is my ticket to getting in with the right people."


    "And now, you have her number." Matt grinned. "Wow. Starting at a disadvantage and you''re already two steps ahead. Damn, bro. I should be learning from you. So, when will you contact her?"


    "That''s the thing." I grinned. "I won''t."


    "What? Why?" Matt asked, frowning.


    "Simple." I answered, my grin widening. "I won''t contact her. Instead, I''ll make her contact me. And you, my friend, will help me make it happen."

 Chapter 5: Grand Plan

    <h4>Chapter 5: Grand n</h4>


    "Okay." Matt nodded like everything was making sense. "Now I know you''re crazy. How in the heavens will you get a girl like M Devon to notice you?"


    He scoffed like the idea was ridiculous.


    "Dude. I know you''re good looking but you''re not that good looking. You have nothing that makes you stand out from the other guys who flock to her."


    I smirked, watching him rant. Yes. As you have probably suspected, I am ten steps ahead.


    I had in my head, memories of Nico Voss scrolling through M''s Instagram page. I knew the perfect tactic to get what I wanted.


    "Okay." I said, nodding in agreement to his words. "You do have a point but quick question. How do you catch the interest of an influencer?"


    Matt leaned back in his chair, thinking seriously about my question. After a few seconds, he answered.


    "By... giving them the opportunity to create content?"


    "Bingo!" I snapped my fingers and pointed at him. "Influencers thrive and stay relevant by creating content but there''s one type of content that makes M Devon herself approach guys in public."


    "Wait a minute." Matt sat straight in realization. "Super cars."


    I smirked. "Exactly."


    You see, M had a habit of approaching handsome men in supercars and taking pictures with both man and car.


    It was like her thing. A part of her brand for being a girl who loved supercars. Which was why it was odd that she took the bus.


    "So, you''ll create a situation in which she''ll approach you and then what?" Matt asked. "You''ll get her actual number then?"


    "Yes." I took a sip of my coffee. "And that is when her business card wille in handy."


    Matt just stared at me in shocked silence. "Damn, bro." He whispered. "I didn''t know you had it on you."


    He raised histte to his lips and paused. "Wait a minute. Doesn''t that mean you''ll have to get a super car?"


    I nodded.


    "But..." He looked confused. "Where will you get the money?"


    I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wallet. And from within it, I pulled out my credit card. The same one I got from my father.


    "Bro, what the fuck?" Matt was once again shocked. At this point, I could do anything and he wouldn''t question if I was the real Nico or not. "I thought you were never going to spend too much on that card!"


    "Dude. I''m quite sure if I bought a house with this card, my father wouldn''t notice. Have you forgotten how rich he is?"


    He paused, took a moment to think about it and nodded in reluctant agreement. "That''s... probably true."


    "But." I raised a finger. "We won''t be relying too much on this card. "Once I''m able to get into high society, we''re ditching the card."


    Once I seduced M and got ten times her wealth, I wouldn''t need the card anyways.


    I''ll use father dearest to take the first step and ditch him after that. It would be pretty stupid to have a resource like this and not use it out of pride.


    I can develop prideter, when I get the ability to spend ''fuck you'' money.


    "Okay. You''ve gotten M''s attention. How are you nning to hold it and seduce her?" Matt asked.


    "I''ll keep myself on the same road. She''s a social media influencer. All I need to do is to keep appealing to her sense of adventure."


    I could sense that he was skeptical about everything, so I decided to exin.


    "M''s used to the parties, the resorts and the exclusive restaurants. Instead of following the same song and dance, I''ll turn the money I have into a gateway to exciting adventures instead of using it as a status symbol."


    "All I need to do is to keep building on the idea of exclusivity. Not by going to popr ces but by creating one of a kind experiences."


    "Shit." Matt shakes his head in wonder. "If I didn''t know any better, I''d say someone gave you this idea but both of us know you''ve always been smart."


    He licked his lips, thinking about all I''ve just said. "So, instead of using money to seduce her, you''ll use those experiences. We both know the rich value exclusivity more than the price tag of something."


    "Exactly. And there''s no way M hasn''t picked up that same preference after mingling with the rich for so long."


    "So, when do we start?" He asked, excited.


    "Before we start, there are three things that we''ll keep in mind as we execute the n."


    "First, no one must know that I''m Logan Voss'' son. If this gets out, it''ll quickly spread through the grapevine to one of my sisters and the moment they hear of it, it''ll inevitably get to my father. And that man is the biggest killjoy when ites to me."


    "True." Matt nodded.


    "Second. To exin my wealth, we''ll have to lean into the urban legend and make me that mysterious billionaire that no one knows but rumors are always flying around about."


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    "So, you''ll be one of those silent, wealthy dudes?"


    "Yes." I said. "Andstly, we''ll be using Jenny''s ind."


    "Dude! Are you crazy?" Matt almost stood from his chair before remembering where we were and seating back down. "You want to use Jenny''s ind?"


    "Yes." I nodded.


    Matt leaned back in his chair, not knowing what to say.


    I know you guys are wondering. Who''s Jenny and why did Matt react like that?


    Well, Jenny is my step sister. My fifth step sister to be exact. She was also the sister who lived closest to me.


    And yeah. She was the one who got stuck in the washing machine but don''t worry. We''ll get to that story in the future.


    Jenny also happened to have an ind very close to us and only used it maybe once a year.


    I''ve been there once before and still have ess to the ce, so I know I''ll be able to use it.


    But using Jenny''s ind wasn''t the problem. The problem was making sure she doesn''t find out because if she did, she''d definitely be mad. Unlike her twin, Jenny didn''t like me.


    And why am I taking the risk you might ask?


    Simple.


    Entering high society and getting Jenny''s attention would make sure my name spreads even faster.


    What can I say? It''s a win-win for me.

 Chapter 6: New Ride

    <h4>Chapter 6: New Ride</h4>


    I woke up with a start, looking around before remembering where I was.


    "Have a nice sleep?" Matt asked from the driver''s seat. He nced at me, a big smile on his face.


    "The best in a long while." I answered, matching his grin.


    It''s been two weeks since I became Nico Voss. So far, most of the time has been spent nning, trying to trante the rough n into an actual n.


    We''ve been able to figure out the best ces to go, the best things to do and the best way to do it. I can say with confidence that we''ve dotted our I''s and crossed our T''s.


    A lot of it required studying up on M, consuming her content and trying to figure out the real person underneath it. So far, I believe we''vee up with the best n we possibly can.


    And for the first and most important step, we''re currently on our way to getting the supercar we''ll be using.


    I can say it hasn''t been easy to find a supercar beautiful enough to catch her attention AND one that she hasn''t taken a picture with before.


    Then, it was another thing to sort out insurance for the car.


    All in all, it had been a bit more stressful than I''d thought. Turns out insurance for supercars is another ballgame.


    Paying had been the easiest part of the whole thing and now, we were on our way to collect the car.


    Before we get there, there''s one thing I want you to know.


    Remember when I told you that I got a second life?


    Turns out my second life is in another world. Yes, it''s earth but this earth has something that makes it different from our earth.


    Antarctica exists here and it''s habitable. It had been a shock and at the same time, totally obvious when I found out I actually lived in the city of Crownsborough, Antarctica.


    And here''s the kicker. Remember my father, Logan Voss?


    He''s the richest man in the continent with an estimated worth of a hundred and forty five billion dors. This also makes him one of the richest men in the world.


    I spent a few more minutes thinking of how long it''ll take me to actually tear that empire of his from his hands when we arrived at the dealership.


    "We''re here." Matt said, breaking me out of my thoughts.


    We stepped out of his Honda Civic and walked into the McLaren dealership. We were met at the door by the same salesman that had attended to us thest time we came.


    The man had what had to be the warmest smile I''ve ever seen and I couldn''t help but wonder how many hours he''d spent practicing it in front of a mirror.


    "Good afternoon, Mr Voss, Mr Hardin! Wee back to McLaren. Today''s the big day, isn''t it? Ready to take home your new masterpiece?"


    "Absolutely." I smiled at him.


    "I can only imagine the excitement!" He rubbed his hands together with the enthusiasm of a man who loved his job.


    "Everything''s set and ready for you. We''ll take care of the paperwork first, then you''ll be able to see your new McLaren up close in the delivery area. It''s a stunning machine."


    "Honestly, I can''t wait to see it." Matt said from beside me.


    "Right this way." The man gestured with a big smile. "The paperwork won''t take long, and I''ll make sure to walk you through everything so it''s nice and smooth. After that, you''ll have the keys in your hands."


    "I''ve seen a lot of happy customers drive out of here, but this is something special. You''ve made a fantastic choice, sir."


    He began leading the way, talking as he went. Matt and I exchanged a smile and began following him.


    True to his words, the paperwork went by smoothly and before long, we were heading to the delivery area.


    "It''s time to see your McLaren Senna in all its glory." The salesman smiled as we walked. "Under the hood is a 4.0 liter twin turbo engine that produces an astonishing eight hundred horsepower."


    I could tell from the way he spoke that he was a car enthusiast. He also had a way of talking that drew you in.


    "Zero to sixty in two point seven seconds.And with a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, let''s just say... you''ll never feel underpowered."


    "Not bad." I said, even though I was struggling to keep my grin from widening. This was exactly the kind of life I''d dreamed of. The salesman smiled at me, totally aware that I was trying to y it cool.


    "And without further ado," the door slid open, "here we are."


    I walked in and the moment I saw the car, my breath caught in my throat.


    The McLaren Senna sat under a spotlight, looking almost too perfect to be real. The car was painted a beautiful jet ck with orange highlights.


    Its massive rear wings made it look more like it belonged on a racetrack than on any road we''d be driving. But that was exactly the point.


    I walked closer, examining it from every angle. I turned back to look at the salesman. "It''s perfect."


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He stepped forward, holding out the key fob. "Here you go, Mr. Voss. Your McLaren Senna. I''m confident it''ll exceed every expectation."


    I took the fob from him.


    Matt pped me on the shoulder. "Ready to take her out for a spin?"


    I met his eyes, both of us sporting big grins. "More than ready, bro."


    I walked to the car and opened its dihedral doors and paused. It took being slick but I was able to enter without messing up.


    One wouldn''t be able to guess just from looking at it but entering a Senna wasn''t as easy.


    I closed the door and sat there. I''d researched this car but now that I''m inside, I realized that there was something I''d missed.


    How do I start it?


    As if he knew what I was thinking, the salesman called out to me. "On the roof."


    I looked up to see the start button. Who the hell puts the start button on the roof?!


    It didn''t matter though. I''d taken my first step into the world of wealth and exclusivity.

 Chapter 7: Hook, Line And Sinker

    <h4>Chapter 7: Hook, Line And Sinker</h4>


    The car roared beneath me as I sped down the street.


    I could feel the vibrations with my body and I knew without any doubts that I was driving an absolute beast.


    It felt like flying. But onnd.


    Matt and I had pushed the car to its limits at the racetrack after we''d bought it but I still felt the urge to just floor it in the city streets.


    Jail is temporary but the memories I''d make will be eternal. Or so Matt says.


    Driving within the speed limit did give me the satisfaction of seeing some reactions to my car. I have to admit, it''s an ego boosting experience.


    Now, I can understand why some people change the moment they get money.


    But are they really changing? Or is the money just bringing out the personality that was always there but had no chance to be shown before? Well, I''m not a philosopher and I don''t have the answers.


    My phone rang, jarring me out of my thoughts. I quickly nced down to see it was an iing call from Matt.


    I tapped the steering wheel control, activating the car''s infotainment system.


    The disy rose up from the center dash like Iron Man''s helmet. I grinned to myself as I spoke.


    "ept call."


    The hum of the car''s engine dulled slightly as the noise canceling system kicked in.


    "Hey bro." Matt''s voice came through the speakers. "Are you there yet?"


    "Almost." I answered, keeping my eyes on the road. I had just passed through the university gates.


    "Okay." He said. "Are you sure she''ll be there?"


    "She has to be. This is the only ce we can reliably orchestrate what would look like a chance meeting. We''re both students here."


    I could picture him nodding. "Alright. Call me when you''re done. Okay?"


    "Of course I will." I grinned. "See ya bro."


    "Later."


    I ended the call with a tap on the steering wheel control. Today is the day. I''ll drive in and watch my Senna work its magic.


    My mind went to my research. Various news sources had pegged M''s worth at twenty million dors.


    She had also invested heavily in the cosmetic brand she hadunched, converting her followers into even more cash.


    When I get her stamp, I''ll be getting a whooping two hundred million dors. If this n doesn''t work, I''ll have no choice but to approach her myself.


    One does not simply let two hundred million walk away.


    Within a few minutes, I pulled up to the Faculty of Business and Economics, or as everyone on campus called it, the faculty of snobs.


    I eased the Senna into one of the closest parking spots, perfectly timing my arrival with the end of M''s lecture.


    The car''s low growl caught the attention of the nearby students, their heads turning to stare wide eyed.


    A few cameras made an appearance, with the onlookers whispering excitedly with each other.


    I picked up my sunsses and put it on before stepping out of the car like this was routine.


    But in reality, I could barely contain the adrenaline that came from watching people react to the car, and me.


    The car glinted under the light of the sun, shining like liquid fire and I knew it wouldn''t take long.


    As if on cue, M, with two of her friends on either side, walked out of the building with her usual strut.


    She was wearing the same type of oversized sunsses she''d worn on the bus and had that effortless look of perfection that the major influencers always manage to pull off.


    She was in the middle of a conversation with her friends when she noticed my car. Her reaction was instant.


    "Oh my God!" She squealed, stopping in her tracks.


    Her friends looked around to see what caught her attention and when they saw my car, exchanged knowing nces.


    M broke away from them, walking straight to my car. "Is that a McLaren Senna?!" She squealed in excitement. Exactly as I''d predicted.


    I smiled, leaning against the door casually. "Yeah, it is."


    She practically bounced closer, her eyes wide behind her sunsses. "Can I take a picture with it?" She was already taking her phone out.


    "Of course." I gestured with a wave of my hand. I wasn''t about to deny her the opportunity, especially when this was part of the n.


    She handed her phone to one of her friends, who was already stepping into the role of photographer. I guess this was routine for them.


    M posed next to my car, her hand resting lightly on the hood as she smiled into the camera. She struck a few sexy poses, before turning to me.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Come on. Let''s take a few together. It''s your car." She smiled widely at me.


    With a shrug, I moved to stand beside her. As the camera clicked, I turned toward her, lowering my sunsses just enough for effect.


    "Have we met before?" I asked, as if the question had just struck me.


    M blinked, her smile dimming for just a second. "I don''t think so. Maybe you''ve seen me online? I''m pretty popr." She threw in a yful smile with that.


    Iughed, shaking my head. "No, not just online. I remember now... the bus, two weeks ago. You spilled coffee on me."


    She frowned in confusion, trying to remember what I was talking about. "Wait, what?" She asked but there was still a note of confusion in her voice. "That was you?"


    I nodded in agreement. "Yeah. You totally forgot about me." I smirked. "And you never paid me back for that shirt."


    That was when it clicked for her and her eyes widened in realization. "Oh my God, that was you!" She gave a small, startledugh, looking genuinely surprised. "I''m so sorry! I didn''t even realize."


    "It''s fine," I said, waving off the apology like it was nothing. "But you still owe me."


    Sheughed at my words. "Alright. What do I have to do to make it up to you?"


    This was the moment I''d been waiting for. I know that if I''d been the nobody that I was on the bus, she wouldn''t have even asked that question.


    I smiled at her. "How about a challenge?"


    Her eyes lit up instantly, the word challenge pinging the influencer part of her brain. "Go on..." She said with interest.


    "Let''s race. You and I. Me in this car and you in one of yours." I gestured to the Senna. "We''ll hit the open road, or a track. How about it?"


    Her eyes sparkled with excitement. I could practically see her brain calcting how many views and likes she''d get if she filmed the whole thing. "Are you serious?"


    "Completely." I nodded, pulling out my ''handsome guy'' smile. "What''s more exciting than tearing up the track in one of the world''s fastest supercars?"


    "Honestly? That sounds amazing." Her grin widened. "Alright, I''m in. But you better not be holding back just because I''m a girl."


    I chuckled. "You''ll get the full experience, trust me."


    I held out my phone to her. "Here. Give me your number. We''ll figure out the details."


    She took the phone, inputted her number, and handed it back. "I''ll give you a call soon."


    M smiled yfully at me. "You better."


    I gave her a nod, then casually turned on my heel and walked toward the entrance of the business faculty like I had some important meeting to get to.


    Behind me, I could still hear M and her friends whispering excitedly, probably already nning their next Instagram post.


    I''d done it. I''d gotten M''s number, all without even having to exchange names. That,dies and gentlemen, is the power of cold hard cash.


    Very soon, I''d have M''s stamp, two hundred million dors and an introduction into high society.


    Now, it was just a matter of time.

 Chapter 8: Ready, Set, Go

    <h4>Chapter 8: Ready, Set, Go</h4>


    I sat inside the Senna, my legs sticking out outside. The doors were up, shading my eyes from the sun. This had to be what they were made for.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Matt sat just in front of me, leaning against the hood of the car. He had his sunsses on, looking far too rxed for someone about to watch me race one of the top influencers in the city.


    We''ve been here for a while, waiting and joking, killing time before M came.


    "Man, you nervous?" Matt asked me with a wide grin. "She''s got connections. She could pull up with any car, you know."


    I chuckled, shaking my head. "It''s not about the car. It''s about the driver."


    "I call bullshit." Matt snorted. "If my car races against your car, we already know the winner. Driver my arse."


    "That''s an unfair race from the beginning." I chuckled. "But M and I will both be driving supercars. That''s different."


    "Whatever you say, Senna boy."


    We exchanged grins.


    "Just don''t mess this up. You''ve been texting back and forth with her for days now. I''d hate to see you blow your shot."


    I nodded in agreement. The past few days had been smooth. I''d kept the conversation light, making sure not to mention myst name.


    To her, I was just Nico, some guy with a fast car and a bit of charm.


    It hadn''t taken long to set up the race. M loved the idea of filming it, turning it into content for her channel, and I''d agreed without hesitation.


    Whatever it took to make this happen. I needed the race for the second step of the n.


    Just as Matt was about to crack another joke, that''s when we heard it. The low growl of what had to be the engine of a supercar.


    A green Lamborghini Aventador SVJ pulled up, looking like an aggressive beast. Right behind it was a Ford Explorer, loaded with camera equipment.


    M had brought her crew, just like she said she would.


    She parked next to us and I could already see her smiling through the windshield.


    She hopped out of the car, looking like she just stepped on the red carpet but with a casual outfit. Being this good looking had to be studied.


    One of her friends, also blonde like she was, stepped out of the passenger''s seat, following her while two guys came down from the Ford, already recording.


    "Nico!" M called out, walking towards me with her signature energy. She gave me a side hug, the kind influencers give when they''re both friendly and conscious of their image. I returned the hug like the gentleman that I was.


    "You ready for this?" She asked with a wide smile.


    "Absolutely." I grinned in return before gesturing to Matt who was standing beside me with the awkward energy of a third wheel. "This is my friend Matt."


    Matt waved casually, but I knew him well enough to see how much he was holding himself back from making a fool of himself.


    "And this is Riley." M said, introducing her friend. Matt and Riley exchangedrge smiles and just as we nned, he stepped in smoothly to keep her upied.


    No one wants that jealous friend ruining your rizz.


    "So," M brushed her hair behind her ear, "you think your Senna can keep up with my Lambo?"


    "Of course." I smirked, leaning against the door of the Senna. "If you think this is about speed, prepare to lose." I winked.


    "It''s not about speed?" Sheughed. "Then what is it about?"


    "Experience." I said cheekily.


    Sheughed, eating up the banter. "Alright. Let''s see if your experience can beat me on the track."


    We began prepping for the race and that''s when I realized how many cameras will be filming the whole thing.


    The camera guys fitted cameras inside the car, outside the car, the curves in the tracks and a flying drone. It''s like they''re setting up cameras to capture the end of the world.


    We''d all been fitted with mics to capture what we were saying clearly.


    M was already speaking into her phone camera, giving her followers a sneak peek, but her attention kept drifting back to me.


    I flirted with her effortlessly and while I knew she was replying to get more content, I could tell she was having fun with it.


    But before it was time to enter our cars, I walked up to her, one of the camera guys following closely.


    This was it. The moment of truth. "Hey. How about we make this more interesting?"


    She raised her brows in interest at my words. "Really? What do you have in mind?"


    I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. It was for show though because the mic would still catch my words.


    "How about a bet? Whoever loses has to grant the winner a wish. Anything."


    I could see the excitement in her eyes at my words. "Deal. But don''tin when you lose."


    I smirked. "Don''tin when I win."


    "Racers!" Matt called out from where he stood with Riley, both of them smiling widely. "Enter your cars."


    I gave M one final smile before turning away. I walked to my Senna and took a moment to watch her enter her Lamborghini before I entered my car.


    I couldn''t stop the grin that appeared on my face as I started the Senna, feeling the deep growl of the engine reverberating through my chest.


    Everyone was excited, even the filming crew.


    The track was set and the rules were clear. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, feeling my heart pounding in my chest.


    And no, it wasn''t from nerves. It was from the pure adrenaline coursing through me. This was the moment.


    Riley came to stand slightly in front of and in between our cars. She raised a white handkerchief in her hand.


    I revved the engine in anticipation, exchanging a nce with M as she revved hers too.


    Then, the handkerchief dropped.

 Chapter 9: Let Him Cook

    <h4>Chapter 9: Let Him Cook</h4>


    As soon as the handkerchief touched the floor, I mmed my foot on the throttle.


    The G force pinned me against the seat and I was sure it was the same for M as we peeled off, our cars roaring down the straight like a beast unleashed.


    I couldn''t keep down the smile on my face even if I wanted to.


    I calmed myself, watching M''s Lamborghini. I let her take the lead, watching her tail lights pull forward, knowing exactly what I was about to do.


    I quickly nced at the dashboard disy. The Senna''s system was already helping me, adjusting the angles of my rear wings and front ps, feeding me information on everything from the temperature of my tires to my fuel consumption.


    M had lost the moment she showed up in an Aventador. She just didn''t know it yet. The Senna had literally been made for the track.


    When the first curve came up, I switched to Race Mode, knowing I had to hit it perfectly. If I go too slow, I''d lose my momentum and if I go too fast? The car would fly off the track.


    The tires squealed a bit as I took the turn, smelling the burning rubber of the tires.


    I straightened out of my turn, the car''s systems kicking in to minimize drag.


    I roared after M, my car slowly catching up. I was hot on her heels as we took the next two curves, slowly gaining on her.


    I had to make this look dramatic. More engagement on the video would at least mean she''ll be reminded of me a lot.


    As we approached the final curve, I focused. It was time to get serious.


    I drifted through the curve, my grin widening as the Senna''s Drift Control system kicked in. It was as if the car was reading my mind.


    M''s Aventador couldn''t match the Senna''s cornering capabilities, and I overtook her easily, the McLaren flying ahead as we hit the straightaway.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Finally. The final stretch. A straight line where I could finally test the full power of the Senna.


    I clicked the car from Race Mode to Sport, reducing the downforce and freeing up speed.


    "Nah," I said to myself, "I''d win."


    I mmed down on the throttle and the car took off like it had been waiting for this moment.


    I could hear M''s engine roaring in desperation to catch up but she might as well be blowing air into the wind.


    Right now, I had the edge.


    Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line. I drifted in celebration, slowing the Senna down to a stop near where Matt, Riley, and M''s crew were set up.


    Matt and Riley were already cheering, but I barely heard them. I was still riding the high from the race as I stepped out of the car, a wide grin stered across my face.


    "Heck yeah!" Matt came forward and we sped hands in excitement, bumping shoulders. "You cooked, bro! You fucking cooked!"


    M pulled up a few secondster, her Lamborghini screeching to a stop. She hopped out, her face flushed with excitement.


    "That was insane!" She shouted,ughing as she made her way over. "You really got me on thatst curve."


    I shrugged, still grinning. "Told you it wasn''t just about speed."


    Her eyes sparkled as she reyed the race in her head, clearly buzzing with the thrill of it all. "You''re good, Nico. Really good."


    "What can I say?" I grinned. "I''m good at everything."


    For a moment, we just stood there, letting the adrenaline settle. Then, she looked at me, her smile turning yful. "So... I guess I owe you a wish, huh?"


    I tilted my head, letting the silence hang for a second longer than necessary. "Yeah." I said, shing a grin. "But I think I''ll keep that wish in my back pocket. For now."


    Mughed, her eyes narrowing yfully. "Oh, keeping it mysterious, are we? Fine. But don''t take too long. I''m curious what kind of wish a guy like you would make."


    I gave her a wink. "Don''t worry. You''ll find out very soon."


    "How about we go for celebratory drinks?" Matt suggested, grinning and Riley cheered in agreement.


    We all exchanged nces and then began nning where to go.


    I grinned as Matt winked at me. Everything was going ording to n.


    It was times like this that always made me wonder when the other shoe would drop.


    Back on earth, anytime one of my business ideas or schemes were going sessfully, something always manages to ruin it. I just needed to keep my eyes out for something like that.


    After sorting out the details, we walked to our respective cars. M would lead the way to the lounge we would be celebrating in.


    I tossed the keys to Matt who grinned at me. I feared that if I entered the Senna so soon after the race, I definitely won''t be able to keep myself from speeding.


    The feeling of racing down the track was just too much. I felt like superman.


    We both entered the car and Matt started it, revving the engine. We exchanged grins before leaving, following M''s Aventador.


    We left behind her camera crew who would clean up the footage and edit it while we party and y.


    That''s what it meant to be rich. Be the idea guy and order other people to implement it.


    "Ready, bro?" Matt asked as we hit the streets, his eyes fixed ahead.


    "I should be asking you that." I said, ncing at him.


    The next part of the n hinged on Matt.


    "You sure you can steer the conversation using Riley towards the country club?" I asked.


    "Of course. Trust me, bro. I got this."


    Matt would use Riley to bring up the exclusive country club that M was currently a member at. In order to be a member, one needed to be rmended by two current members.


    All I needed was to make my wish to join the club look like an afterthought just because it came up in conversation.


    Once I gain ess to the club, I''d be able to rub shoulders with the right people and be an official yer in high society.


    I never knew I''d get this close, this fast. I had thought I''d still need one more date before I can broach the topic but it was a good thing we''d n for the eventuality of a friend of M''s Matt could build a rapport with.


    Once I gain ess to the club and get her stamp, I won''t need M again.


    Everything was going great. And that was why the universe chose that moment to throw a wrench in my ns.


    That was when some idiot crashed into my car.

 Chapter 10: Back To The Drawing Board

    <h4>Chapter 10: Back To The Drawing Board</h4>


    "Holy fuck!" Matt swore as the sound of grinding metal filled the air and the car lurched to the side.


    One second, Matt and I were cruising behind M, high on victory and anticipation, and the next, we were mmed sideways by some idiot who clearly thought red lights were optional.


    The world tilted, and my seatbelt dug hard into my shoulder as the Senna''s tires squealed.


    Matt cursed, and I gripped the door handle, my heart racing in my chest but this time, it was not from excitement.


    The car stopped just as suddenly as it had been hit and my head mmed into the headrest.


    I blinked, looking around in rm and confusion.


    The Senna had been damaged, that much I knew, but I couldn''t feel anything wrong with myself. No pain. No blood.


    "Matt, you good?" I asked, looking at him.


    He rubbed his forehead, which had hit the steering wheel connected a little too hard, but he nodded. "Yeah. I think so. You?"


    I let out a deep breath, unbuckling my seatbelt and shoving the door open. "I''m fine. But the Senna... Jesus."


    I stepped out, staring at the damage like it was a crime against humanity. The side of the car had taken most of the impact.


    The body of my precious McLaren Senna was mangled. The car looked like the victim of a serial killer.


    The crumpled metal and broken ss still managed to look like an artist''s painting but I could already tell it was going to be an expensive fix.


    I winced at the sight, but at least the idiot who hit us hadn''t totaled the thing.


    Matt joined me, shaking his head. "That''s brutal, man."


    We''d drawn a crowd, some of them already filming the whole thing.


    I turned to look at the car that had hit us. It was a beat up sedan, the front of the car totally destroyed. After hitting us, it had swerved to stop along the curb.


    The driver stumbled out of the car, looking as pale as a vampire. He swayed, his eyes wide and panicked, as he took in the damage.


    "Fuck." He swore, his handsing up to rub his face. "Fuck!" He swore again, stumbling.


    It looked like he was drunk.


    I sighed. Who the fuck drinks and then drives during daytime? I''m not saying to drink and drive but during the day?


    The man swayed and Matt stepped forward as the guy tried to regain his bnce. "You alright, man?" He asked.


    The guy mumbled another curse but that''s none of my business. I fished my phone out of my pocket and called my insurancepany.


    Thankfully, I had insurance that covered pretty much everything short of the apocalypse, so at least financially, I wasn''t sweating it.


    After giving my details to the insurance rep and having Matt grab a couple of photos of the damage, I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.


    The drunk guy had sat down on the curb, holding his head in his hands.


    That was when M and Riley walked towards us.


    "Nico! Are you guys okay?" M asked.


    I forced a smile. "Yeah. We''re fine. The Senna''s another story though."


    "We didn''t realize it was you guys in the crash until we drove for a minute and couldn''t see you guys following." Riley said, wringing her hands in anxiety.


    I could tell she felt a bit guilty about it or something.


    "Thank God you two aren''t hurt." She said.


    "Yeah." I had no idea what else to say.


    "Looks like we''d have to take a rain check on those drinks. You guys will be sorting this out."


    The crash had ruined our ns. The celebratory drinks, the easy opportunity to bond with M and get into the country club was gone.


    And that stung more than the wreckage of my car. This would put a hold on my n to seduce M and any loss of momentum could mean losing out on two hundred million dors.


    Insisting on still celebrating after this ident would totally ruin the vibe. And bringing up the club would only expose my motive.


    "I guess we can reschedule forter."


    "Yeah." Riley chimed in, ncing at her phone. "But M''s got a packed schedule over the next few days. It''ll be tough to lock something down."


    M nodded in agreement. "I''m mmed for a bit, but we''ll make it happen soon, promise."


    I nodded, hiding my frustration.


    Timing was everything, and this dy wasn''t ideal but pressing her now would be stupid.


    All it would do would be to make me look desperate and there''s never been a faster turn off for women than that.


    Besides, I could tweak my ns and approach from another angle.


    "Let me know when you''re free." I said, keeping my tone casual. I had to y this cool. "We''ll figure something out."


    M smiled, offering a quick hug before she and Riley hopped back into the Aventador. I watched as they drove off, leaving Matt and me with the mess.


    Matt pped me on the shoulder. "Could''ve been worse, man."


    I sighed, watching M''s taillights fade. "Yeah. But it''s a setback."


    We waited for the tow truck, both of us slumped against the mangled Senna, lost in thought.


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    Once the car was hauled away, I called a ride service to get us home.


    When the car came, Matt and I sat in silence as we were driven to my house.


    The adrenaline I''d been feeling earlier today waspletely gone, reced by the irritation of knowing the night hadn''t gone to n.


    When we finally got back to my ce, Matt crashed onto the couch while I paced, trying to figure out my next move.


    M being busy for the next few days put a serious kink in our strategy. Now, there was no chance of me striking while the iron is hot.


    But hope is notpletely lost. I can still recover from this if I y this smart. Yeah, she was an influencer and will probably move on to her other endeavors but all I needed was to hold her attention until she''s free.


    Matt sat up. "So what''s the n now?"


    I stopped pacing and sighed, sinking into the chair opposite him.


    "Technically, the n hasn''t changed." I said. "All I need to do is establish a connection when things calm down. Luckily, we have something we can use."


    "The wish?" Matt asked with a smile.


    "The wish." I nodded. "First, I''ll text her in a day or two. Nothing pushy, just something light to keep the connection warm. And when we ''coincidentally'' meet next time, I''ll cash in on my wish."

 Chapter 11: Cafe De La Paix

    <h4>Chapter 11: Cafe De La Paix</h4>


    It had been a week since the race and the urge to rush into my n was building in the back of my mind.


    I knew the feeling from when I''d just started my startup and I also knew that rushing would just make things harder or cause it to fail entirely.


    I was on a time limit. If I couldn''t take over my father''s empire within five years, my reincarnation woulde to an end. But that didn''t mean I could rush.


    The 10x Cashback system meant that my growth would be exponential. If things didn''t eventually work with M, there were ny eight other women out there.


    If one woman would me two hundred million dors, stamping just fifty of the women would give me at least fifty billion dors.


    All this is based on the assumption that M was one of the lowest ranking women on the list of stamp holders.


    Having fifty billion dors would allow me to get on almost equal footing with two people. My father and my eldest step sister. They were the main people I had to beat.


    So far, M and I had been texting, flirting even, but there was nothing concrete yet.


    Every time our banter got close to something real, it fizzled out. All because of her busy schedule. It had been a week of missed opportunities.


    With the Senna still being repaired, I was currently driving a rented Audi R8.


    It wasn''t a bad car by any means, but it wasn''t the Senna. Itcked that maic pull that could stop people in their tracks. Still, it would do for now.


    I pulled up to one of the expensive, high-end cafes I had been eyeing for a while now.


    Cafe De La Paix. It was a ce known for its wealthy clientele and overpriced cappinos.


    My goal today was simple. Test the waters. I needed to meet wealthy and well-connected people. Someone who could open doors for me.


    Putting all my eggs in one basket, the M basket, would just be stupid. And I''d learnt my lesson in my previous life.


    As I parked the R8 and stepped out, I ran a quick nce around the area.


    I could tell from the other cars here that the clientele was exactly what I expected. Old money types, the kind of people who didn''t flinch at a thousand dor lunch. Perfect.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    I walked inside the cafe, pulling off my sunsses as I looked around the room. The decor was ssy with leather chairs and marble tabletops.


    The people there were well dressed, some shing designer clothing and essories and others going lowkey with the quiet luxury brands like Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli.


    One day, I''ll have to get me some of that. People who wear those brands till the rich they''re rich. The ones who wear the shy brands announce to others that they''re rich.


    I ordered a coffee, something simple, and found myself a seat by the window. I had a good view of the street, just in case anyone of interest happened to stroll by.


    I wouldn''t be approaching anyone today. All I would be doing is build a routine of visits, build familiarity and naturally umte acquaintances that I can level up to be friends.


    I leaned back in my chair, enjoying my break. I had been attending sses as usual, sticking to the routine the previous Nico had built before I came.


    Well, most of the routine. This time, I didn''t take this bus and had started exercising along with Matt.


    As I took a sip of my coffee, a familiar voice caught my ear, and I almost didn''t believe it.


    "Nico?"


    I nced up, and there she was.


    M, looking effortlessly stunning as always, a smile on her lips.


    I blinked, genuinely surprised. This meeting hadn''t even been nned. Talk of a genuine coincidence.


    "M." I said, shing a grin as I leaned back in my chair. "Didn''t expect to run into you here."


    Sheughed, moving closer. "I didn''t expect to see you here either! What are the chances, right?"


    This had to be a sign from heaven. Maybe the universe was throwing me a bone after that ident derailed everythingst week.


    She gestured to the seat across from me. "Mind if I join you?"


    "Please." I said, waving her over, keeping my voice light. "It''s always better withpany."


    She slid into the chair, her phone in hand, though she tucked it away once she was settled.


    We exchanged a few pleasantries, a yful smile on my lips the whole time.


    It was just the two of us, no cameras, no followers. Just M and Nico. It felt good, actually, not to have to perform for anyone.


    "I thought you''d still be busy filming or jet-setting to some event." I teased her, taking a sip of my coffee.


    She rolled her eyes in a way that made her look even more charming. She had to be taking sses for this shit. "Please, I need breaks too, you know. Sometimes it''s nice to just enjoy the quiet moments."


    "Well, then, I guess we''re both lucky today."


    She smiled, and I knew it was time to take this to the next level.


    "You know, speaking of luck..." I paused for a moment, making sure her attention was on my next words. "I didn''t think I''d ever get the chance to cash in that wish I''m still owed."


    "The wish?" Sheughed, interested. "Well, let''s not say I don''t keep my word. So, what''s it going to be? Should I be worried?"


    I chuckled, shaking my head. "Nah, nothing crazy. I was thinking we could take a drive."


    I leaned forward slightly, keeping my tone casual but flirty. "But I''m going to be tied up for the next few weeks. Business stuff, you know how it is." I waved it off like it wasn''t a big deal. "So, if you''re up for it, we could make it happen before my schedule gets too insane."


    M tilted her head, her eyes narrowing yfully. "Oh, so it''s like a limited-time offer?"


    "Something like that." I replied, shing her a grin. "A drive, maybe out of the city, just the two of us. We end it with a pic. Simple, fun. No pressure."


    I could see her considering it, the wheels turning in her head.


    The key was to make it feel natural, like something she didn''t want to miss out on, but not something I was pushing too hard. I needed her to want to say yes, not feel obligated.


    "You''ve got me curious." She finally said. I could see a hint of excitement in her eyes. "Alright, I''m in. But it better be a good pic."


    I raised my hand in mock surrender. "Only the best for you."


    Mughed, and it was genuine, light. We exchanged a few more yful banter, the conversation flowing smoothly.


    I could feel the connection growing between us. It was perfect. Exactly what I needed to keep her hooked, without her realizing she was part of a bigger n.


    "Great." I said, keeping a grin on my face. "I''ll text you the details, and we''ll make it happen."


    She nodded, standing up as her phone buzzed in her pocket. "I''ve got to run, but this sounds fun. Looking forward to it."


    We exchanged another smile before she turned and left the cafe. I watched her walk out the door, taking in the moment.


    This was my chance, the opportunity I''d been waiting for. And this time, I wasn''t going to let anything mess it up.


    As I sat back, letting the caffeine do its thing, I felt the excitement bubbling up again. Matt had been right. We were cooking.


    And now, all I had to do was follow through.

 Chapter 12: The Drive

    <h4>Chapter 12: The Drive</h4>


    Today was the day.


    The day of the drive and pic.


    I pulled up to the gate of M''s apartmentplex, giving the security officials my temporary visitors code.


    M lived in one of those high-end and gated apartmentplexes. Security was tight but fortunately for me, she had sorted me out in advance.


    After being cleared for entry, I drove in and quickly found the underground parking space. I followed M''s instructions and parked at an empty spot near the elevator.


    I texted her and within seconds, received a reply. She wasing down.


    I didn''t have to wait for too long before the elevator dinged and M stepped out. She was wearing a yellow floral dress,plete with straw hat and sunsses.


    I stepped out of the car to wee her and pull the door open for her. She grinned, getting into the passenger''s seat.


    I got into the driver''s seat and before long, we were cruising through the city streets, the sun setting behind the skyline, coating everything it touched in a warm, golden light.


    "Finally! A well deserved break."


    I nced at M who was smiling widely beside me. She was practically bouncing in her seat, like a kid ready for the best amusement park ride of their life.


    "Are you really that excited for the pic?" I asked with augh.


    "Of course! This pic is my weekend getaway." She said, turning to look at me as she pushed her sunsses to the top of her head and pulled off the straw hat. I could see the sparkle of excitement in her eyes. "So, where are we going?"


    I grinned, turning back to keep my eyes on the road. "All in good time, M. Good thingse to those who wait. Trust me, it''s worth the suspense."


    Sheughed, shaking her head. "You''re enjoying this way too much."


    "You''re not wrong." I admitted, giving her a quick wink before speeding up slightly as the road opened ahead of us. "But seriously, patience. I''ve got something special lined up."


    She hummed, nodding her head but I could see from the corner of my eye the way she was holding herself back from asking more questions.


    Instead, she leaned back in her seat, pulling her sunsses back over her eyes. "Alright. I''ll wait."


    We drove infortable silence for a few moments, just enjoying the sound of the engine and the wind through the slightly cracked windows.


    That was until a deep roar cut through the air as a Ferrari passed us on the opposite side of the road, catching both of our attention.


    M''s eyes lit up and she watched the car go by. "Oh, that''s gorgeous. You see that? A Ferrari 812 Superfast, right?"


    "Yep." I said, nodding. "Hard to miss. Beauty of a car."


    She turned to me, her grin widening. "Okay, if you could drive any car in the world, with no price limit or restrictions on it, which car would it be?"


    I raised an eyebrow, considering the question. I was by no means a car nut but that didn''t mean I hadn''t spent time researching cars to attract M''s attention.


    "I mean, you already know I love the Senna, but if we''re talking anything? I''d probably go with a Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut. That thing''s practically a rocket on wheels. Fastest production car ever made, and the design? I''m sure an artist was ced in charge of that."


    M let out a low whistle. "You like living on the edge, don''t you?"


    I chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. What about you? If you could drive anything?"


    She leaned forward slightly, thinking. "Hmmm... honestly? I''d want something ssic, like a 1967 Shelby GT500. There''s something about those old muscle cars, you know? They''ve got character. Not just speed, but personality."


    I nced at her, surprised. I''d thought she''d pick one of those visually or aesthetically pleasing cars, you know. "A Shelby? I never pegged you for a Shelby girl."


    She shrugged, smiling. "I like the idea of power, but also a bit of nostalgia. Plus, the sound of those engines is just... chef''s kiss." She mimed the kiss.


    We shared augh, the conversation drifting smoothly between yful jabs about cars and our different tastes.


    But as we drove deeper into the quieter outskirts of the city, away from the hustle and noise, the vibe shifted, bing more personal.


    "You know," she said after a beat of silence, "when I was little, I never thought I''d be doing what I''m doing now."


    "Really?" I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Learning more about the stamp holder would only increase my chances of sess. "What did little M dream of?"


    She leaned back, sighing softly. "I wanted to be a photographer. Not for social media or for likes, but like... a real, hardcore photojournalist, you know."


    "Traveling to remote ces, capturing the raw, untold stories. I used to flip through these National Geographic magazines and think, ''That''s where I want to be.''"


    I nodded, picturing a younger version of her with a camera in hand. "That''s cool. Why didn''t you pursue it?"


    She nced out the window for a moment before responding. "I guess life just took me in a different direction. Social media started to grow, and opportunities kept popping up. Before I knew it, I was neck-deep in a whole other world."


    I could hear a tinge of nostalgia in her voice, like she was wondering what might''ve been. I leaned back in my seat, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel.


    My mind drifted to my previous life. My dreams of bing a self made millionaire and my eventual end as another office drone. And yet, here I was, on my way to making two hundred million dors.


    "Yeah," I nodded, "life has a funny way of changing our paths."


    She turned toward me, smirking yfully at me. "Okay, your turn. What did little Nico want to be?"


    Iughed, shaking my head. I remembered little Nico, before he began dreaming about being rich enough to own his own spacepany. "Promise you won''tugh?"


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "No promises."


    I shot her a mock-re. "Alright, fine. I wanted to be an astronaut."


    She burst intoughter, covering her mouth. "An astronaut? Seriously? That''s so cliche."


    "Hey!" I defended,ughing along. "I was obsessed with space as a kid. NASA, rockets, the idea of floating around in zero gravity. I thought it''d be the coolest thing ever to explore the unknown."


    M''sughter died down, but there was still a smile on her. "That''s actually kind of adorable. I can totally picture it now."


    "Well, I''ve since settled for staying grounded," I said with a grin, "but I guess I''m still chasing that feeling of going beyond limits."


    She nodded, her eyes locking with mine for a brief second, a connection that felt real, not forced. "I get that."


    But just before anything coulde out of it, I had to drag my eyes back to the road as I pulled the car into a small dockyard.


    M frowned as she nced around. "Wait, what''s this? Where are we? I thought we were going on a pic?"


    I pulled up to a spot near the dock and cut the engine. With a grin, I stepped out of the car and walked around to open her door.


    "This," I said, gesturing toward the dock where a private boat sat waiting for us, "is our next ride. We''ll be having the pic at Emerald Isle."

 Chapter 13: Emerald Isle

    <h4>Chapter 13: Emerald Isle</h4>


    "What the fuck?!" M''s eyes widened, excitement lighting up her face. "You''re kidding, right?"


    "Nope." I said, holding out my hand for her to take. "The boat''s all ready, and the ind''s waiting. What do you say?"


    Mughed, shaking her head in slight shock. "H - how? How did you get ess?"


    "Let''s just say I''m a friend of the family." I said, shing her a grin.


    "You really know how to pull out all the stops, don''t you?" Sheughed.


    I shrugged, enjoying her reaction. "What can I say? I''m full of surprises."


    She took my hand, stepping out of the car. I held out my elbow like a gentleman and she took it with augh. "Off we go, mademoiselle."


    When you calm down to think about it, you''ll understand her shock.


    Emerald Ind belonged to my sister, Jenny, and that made it both popr and exclusive.


    It was popr because it belonged to one of the daughters of the richest man in the continent, who was very active on social media.


    And it was exclusive because it wasn''t easy to set foot in there. You had to be personally invited. Whenever Jenny threw her famous Emerald party every year, there were Alist celebrities who always wished they''d been invited.


    Compared to them, M was a small fry and there was no way she would have ever gotten an invite to Emerald Isle. By taking her there, I will cement my status as a crazy but quietly rich guy.


    My invitation to the country club will be an afterthought to her. In fact, she''ll be honored to bring me into the club.


    Together, we entered the boat and helped her sit down before taking my ce at the helm. I hit the ignition, the engine purring to life.


    Thank God I didn''t have to learn how to ride a boat as Nico Voss. It was trivially easy to pull the boat away from the dock and towards the open water.


    As I drove, M stood, stretching her hands. The breeze caught her hair as she looked out at the ocean, her face full of awe.


    I watched her for a moment, appreciating the way the light of the sunset highlighted her beautiful features. This felt right. Exactly like everything had been leading to this moment.


    As the boat roared over the water and the city slowly pulled away behind us, M leaned back, her body rxed, and I could tell she was soaking in every bit of the experience.


    "This is incredible." M said, pulling out her phone. She turned towards the city, positioning her phone for the perfect shot. "I don''t think I''ve ever seen the city from this perspective."


    I smiled, keeping one hand on the steering wheel. "You get used to it after a while." I shrugged like it wasn''t a big deal when in reality, even I don''t get this kind of view regrly.


    She nced at me, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, do you? Just casually cruising to private inds all the time, huh?"


    I chuckled. "Not all the time. But enough to know it''s better than sitting in traffic."


    Mughed at that, shaking her head. "Well, you''ve got a point there. If this is your idea of amute, I''m definitely jealous."


    I shrugged, saying nothing. Taking her to Emerald Isle would be like showing her my credentials. There''s no way an ordinary man would be able to get in.


    It wasn''t long before we spotted Emerald Isle ahead. She squealed at the sight of it and couldn''t resist snapping a few pictures, including a selfie with the ind in the background.


    Emerald Isle was aptly named because apart from the mansion, there was green everywhere. With grass carpeting the floor and trees providing shade, it really did look like an emerald from a distance.


    In a few minutes, I had the boat docked. "We''re here." I stepped out of the boat, offering her a hand. "Wee to Emerald Isle."


    "I''m impressed, Nico." She took my hand, stepping onto the dock with augh. "And here I thought we were just going to a park or something."


    Iughed. "Trust me, this is much better."


    We were greeted by the ind''s security and my heart drummed in my chest as the guys scrutinized us.


    Luckily, they were able to recognize me on sight and allowed us entrance. It had, after all, not been that long since I''d been here.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    We walked up a narrow path that cut through the trees, leading toward the mansion which stood at the middle of the ind.


    The house was stunning, with its all white coloring and modern design.


    "Wow. This ce is even more incredible in person." Her eyes were taking in every detail. "I can''t believe you know Jenny Voss personally."


    "Well, we do run in the same circles." I shook my head, keeping my smile casual. "All you need to know is that I have ess to it for today."


    She gave me a yful shove. "Mysterious as always."


    Once we reached the house, I led her out to the back where the real magic was.


    The view opened up to a small, private beach,plete with white sand, the ocean sparkling as thest rays of sunlight reflected off it. A perfect spot for our pic.


    I spread out a nket, gesturing for M to sit down as I unpacked the basket I''d brought from the boat.


    I fished the pastries out of the basket, serving them on paper tes. M took one and curiously bit into it. She moaned in pleasure as I worked the cork off the wine ss.


    As I poured us each a ss of wine, she swallowed her mouthful and turned to me with curiosity. "These pastries are amazing. Where did you get them?"


    I grinned, leaning back on the nket. "There''s this little bakery, hidden away in the city. No grand signs, no advertising. You kind of have to know it''s there."


    Her eyes widened. "Wow, I''ve never heard of it. And I thought I knew all the best spots."


    "If you treat me right, I might just take you there." I grinned at her.

 Chapter 14: The Moment Of Truth

    <h4>Chapter 14: The Moment Of Truth</h4>


    M took another bite of the pastries, her eyes closing for a second as she savored it.


    When she opened them again, there was something softer in her expression. "This is perfect, Nico."


    "You''re wee." I shrugged, ying it cool. I sent a mental thank you to old Nico.


    The pastries had been carefully selected but I wouldn''t have known of them if not for him.


    We sipped our wine, talking about everything and nothing. We flirted andughed, letting the evening flow naturally.


    The ocean breeze carried the sound of the waves, and with each passing moment, the world seemed to shrink down to just the two of us.


    There was something about the way she looked at me tonight, the way her body moved closer to mine as we talked.


    The chemistry between us had been building all evening, and before the night was over, it would reach the point of no return.


    There was a lull in the conversation and M leaned back, her eyes fixed on the ocean and a soft smile on her lips.


    But as the silence stretched out, her smile faded a little. She nced at me, something more serious in her eyes.


    "You know, I''ve been thinking about that first time we met." She said, tracing her finger along the rim of her wine ss. "On the bus."


    I raised an eyebrow, curious where this was going. "The infamous coffee spill?" I asked with a grin, trying to keep the mood light.


    Sheughed softly but didn''t match my energy this time. Instead, she looked down at the ss in her hand, hesitating. "Yeah, that... but there''s more to it."


    I tilted my head, sensing the shift in her tone. Oh God. I hope this won''t be a mood killer. There''s no way she''d ruin the atmosphere and nullify all my hard work would she?


    It didn''t matter. I had a role to y and I had to y it perfectly. "Go on." I said, keeping my voice soft.


    She exhaled, like she was trying to decide how much to reveal.


    "I wasn''t supposed to be on that bus, you know. I usually don''t... take public transport. But, well, I was kind of... struggling back then. Financially."


    That admission hung in the air for a moment, and I fought to keep my expression neutral. I could see how much it had cost her to say it.


    "You know, that''s the thing about social media." She chuckled, shaking her head. "You only show people what you want them to see. They never really see the real you."


    She took a deep breath before continuing. "At the time, I was going through a rough patch. Some investments didn''t work out, and I had overextended myself."


    "For a while there, I was living beyond my means. And that day on the bus? I was trying to avoid taking one of my own cars because... I didn''t even have enough to put gas in the tank."


    I stared at her for a moment, letting that sink in. What was going on? She had been facing financial struggles?


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What about her sponsors? Or her cosmetic brand? Has this even affected her worth? Will my reward be reduced?


    "Wow, I didn''t know." I said, my voice low. No matter what, I had to y along. "That must''ve been... hard."


    She nodded, her eyes distant. "Yeah. It was. It felt humiliating, to be honest. To be in that position when everyone expects you to have it all. That''s why I tried my best to ignore you after spilling coffee all over you."


    I reached out, cing my hand on hers. "You know, everyone has moments like that. Moments where things aren''t perfect. It doesn''t change anything about who you are."


    She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. "I guess that''s what I''ve been trying to prove ever since. That I''ve got everything under control now. But it''s exhausting, you know? Keeping up the image."


    I nodded. "You don''t have to pretend with me, M."


    She held my gaze for a long moment, then let out a softugh, the tension in her shoulders easing. "You make it sound so simple."


    "It is simple," I replied, squeezing her hand gently. "You don''t need to prove anything to me."


    Her smile returned, softer now, and she moved a little closer. "You''re different, Nico. You''re not like the others."


    I shrugged, keeping my tone light. "Maybe I just see things differently." if only she knew why I was here with her tonight. Why I had set up this whole pic.


    She leaned in, holding my gaze. "Maybe that''s why I like you." She whispered.


    This was it. The moment we''ve all been waiting for. I could feel the electricity in the air.


    Her eyes flicked to my lips, and in that moment, everything felt inevitable.


    I leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted. But she didn''t. Instead, she closed the distance between us, her lips brushing mine in a soft, tentative kiss.


    It was slow at first, almost careful, but as soon as we both felt that spark, it deepened.


    Her hands slid up to my back of my neck, pulling me closer, and I could feel the need in her touch.


    I shifted, wrapping my arm around her waist, pulling her onto myp as the kiss grew more urgent.


    She pressed against me, her body melting into mine, and I knew there was no turning back now.


    Every barrier had crumbled, every wall between us hade down.


    And as time went on around us, we let ourselves get lost in the heat of the moment, forgetting everything else except for each other.

 Chapter 15: [Stamp Obtained Successfully!]

    <h4>Chapter 15: [Stamp Obtained Sessfully!]</h4>


    [Stamp obtained sessfully!]


    I woke up, staring at the words on the floating blue box in confusion.


    That was when it hit me! I had finally done it! My first stamp!


    The memories ofst night came flooding back. The kissing, the caressing and oh my god, the sex.


    My eyes drifted to M who was sleeping beside me on the bed. By having sex with her, I have fulfilled the requirements for stamping her and I''ll now be getting ten times her wealth.


    Yes. In order to get ten times the wealth of the stamp holder, I had to seduce and sleep with them.


    I couldn''t stop myself from grinning. To think that there were still ny eight other women I''d have to sleep with!


    Fun isn''t something one considers when trying to save his own life but this does put a smile on my face.


    The blue box flickered, then changed, new words written on its surface.


    [Would you like to receive your rewards now?]


    [Yes / No]


    [Please note: The process may cause headaches and nausea, which may lead to vomiting.]


    I stared at the prompt, considering it. Headaches and nausea? Vomiting? This wasn''t exactly what I needed after the night I''d just had.


    This sounds a lot like a hangover and I definitely wouldn''t want to ruin the moment by looking hungover on the ride home.


    The rewards can wait. I''ll receive them when I get back home. I reached out, clicking ''No''. The box flickered and disappeared.


    With a smile, I turned to look back at M, her face peaceful as she slept, the faint rise and fall of her breathing almost in sync with the sound of the waves outside.


    Of course we slept inside the mansion. Did you expect us to have sex outside where the security guards could watch us?


    At that moment, M''s eyshes fluttered and she blinked awake, her eyes meeting mine. She smiled softly, still half-asleep.


    "Morning." She murmured.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Morning." I replied, running my fingers gently through her hair. Just because I had my rewards didn''t mean the game was over. "Sleep well?"


    She nodded, moving closer and nuzzling her face to my chest. "Very well." She grinned at me.. "Better than I have in a long time."


    I chuckled softly. "I''ll take that as apliment."


    She shifted slightly, her body stretching against mine, and for a moment, neither of us said anything.


    There was no need for words. It was afortable silence, one that felt natural now. But eventually, she propped herself up on one elbow.


    "What time is it?" She asked, ncing toward the window but making no move to get up.


    "Early." I said, pulling her a little closer. "We''ve got time."


    M sighed contentedly and rested her head back on the pillow. "Good, because I''m not ready to leave this bed just yet."


    I smiled, letting my hand slide down her back. Wey there for a little longer, before sitting back up. I''m definitely not staying in bed forever, especially when I have rewards waiting for me.


    "How about a shower?" I suggested, offering her a hand.


    She grinned, taking it as I pulled her up. "Lead the way."


    We spent the next half hour in the massive bathroom, going at it like the nasty adults we were. I never even knew you could do so many dirty things with soap.


    Once we were both dressed and ready, we made our way down the mansion''s winding staircase, the soft light filling the open spaces as the morning fully bloomed outside.


    I could see what the whole hype was about the ind.


    We went down to the dock, got into our boat and drove off. We sat infortable silence throughout the ride, enjoying the scenery. M even snapped a few pictures of the city as we approached it.


    By the time we docked and got back to the Audi, the sun had fully risen in the sky and was shining happily down on us.


    We got into the car and I drove us away. Before long, we pulled into the underground garage of her apartment.


    M turned to me, her eyes soft. "Thanks for... for everything. You''ve surprised me, Nico. In a good way."


    I smiled, leaning over to kiss her gently. "d to hear it. Let''s do it again soon."


    She grinned. "I''ll hold you to that."


    With onest lingering look like she didn''t want all this to end, she stepped out of the car, and I watched as she disappeared into her building.


    I sat there for a moment, realizing I have a new hurdle. Stopping M from falling in love with me.


    If I wanted to keep collecting stamps, I needed to not bemitted, so, how do I stop that from happening.


    With the look she had given me, I definitely had my work cut out for me.


    I sighed and began driving back to my ce. Once I got there, I quickly sat on the couch. It was time.


    Now, how does one call back the blue box?


    As if reading my mind, or maybe it actually was, the box appeared in front of me.


    [Would you like to receive your rewards now?]


    [Yes / No]


    [Please note: The process may cause headaches and nausea, which may lead to vomiting.]


    This time, I clicked ''Yes.''


    [Processing reward...]


    [Calcting reward...]


    I stared at the progress bar for a second, waiting for the headache. Nothing.


    "Is that it?" I scoffed. And a secondter, I was forced to eat my words as a huge headache wracked my brain.


    A wave of dizziness hit me and as I slumped against the couch, my mind took me back to a memory that had previously been buried when I had woken up as Nico Voss.


    The memory of what had happened in heaven and how I had gotten here.

 Chapter 16: Is This Heaven?

    <h4>Chapter 16: Is This Heaven?</h4>


    I snapped awake, breathing heavily. I looked around in confusion to see myself sitting in a sterile, white walled room.


    The brightness of the ce was overwhelming. I blinked, trying to regain my bearing.


    There were no windows in the room and no doors. Just an endless white like I''d been dropped into a dream.


    The sound of my breathing bounced off the walls and echoed back to me. I looked around my mind trying to catch up.


    Thest thing I remember was... pushing the kid out of the way and... dying. Fuck!


    I groaned, rubbing my temples, feeling what looked like a migraine setting in. Did the dead have migraines? What the hell was even this ce?


    That''s when I noticed the man sitting in front of me.


    He was on the other side of a desk that seemed almost out of ce in this white void.


    He was middle-aged, with a prominent bald spot and a handlebar mustache that would''ve looked ridiculous anywhere else, but somehow fit in with the strangeness of the situation.


    The man was hunched over aputer, typing furiously. I wondered how I hadn''t noticed him before with all the noise his keyboard was making.


    Was this... an angel? Was there also a bureaucracy in heaven? Or was I in hell?


    I cleared my throat to get the man''s attention and he jumped in his chair, his fingers freezing mid-type.


    His head snapped up, eyes wide behind a pair of thick sses.


    "Oh! Oh, I didn''t see you there!" He eximed, looking flustered. "Sorry about that, things have been a bit busytely."


    He cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "Wee to Heaven."


    I blinked, before finally processing his words. I had actually made it to heaven? Thank the lord! I had honestly thought I wouldn''t make the cut.


    The man gave me a sheepish smile, like he was trying to apologize for how surreal everything was.


    "I''m the Administrator. I handle arrivals, you know, people like you who... uh, didn''t quite make it through life the way they expected." He gestured vaguely at hisputer. "And I''m guessing you''re one of those people. Could you tell me your name?"


    "Nico." I mumbled. "I, errr..." I trailed off as I lost my train of thought. I had wanted to ask him a question but I''d forgotten what it was.


    "You said something?" He nced at me, noticing the look of confusion on my face and went back to typing. "Oh, that''s normal. Soul degradation. Happens slowly to every soul without a body."


    His fingers flew across the keyboard, his eyes scanning the screen.


    He then frowned as he squinted at whatever was disyed there. Then, he muttered something under his breath. "That''s not right..."


    He nced back at me, his face filled with confusion before returning to his screen. I watched him, not knowing what else to do. Then, my mental capacities returned for a short while.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked, trying to make sense of everything. "I mean... why am I here? What''s happening?"


    The Administrator didn''t look up immediately. He just kept typing, biting his lip as he tried to figure something out.


    After a moment, he stopped and turned to face me fully.


    "How did you die, Nico?" he asked, his voice softer now as if he was speaking to a spooked animal.


    I frowned, thinking back. "I was hit by a truck. I was trying to save this kid who-"


    The Administrator held up a hand, cutting me off. "Ah, yes. You helped a young boy, didn''t you?"


    I nodded. "Yeah, I guess I did. The truck wasing right for him."


    The Administrator sighed, shaking his head. "That''s the problem. You weren''t supposed to intervene. In fact, you''re not supposed to be there."


    I blinked in confusion. "What do you mean I wasn''t supposed to intervene? The kid would''ve died."


    "Exactly." The Administrator said, folding his hands together. "The truck was meant for him."


    Seeing how I was still confused, he decided to borate.


    "You see, that boy... well, let''s just say he was part of a cosmic trimming. He was destined to cause a catastrophe, one that would have led to the deaths of over three billion people."


    "Three billion people?!" I stared at him in shock, my mind trying and failing to picture how many people that would be.


    The Administrator nodded. "Yes. The universe has its ways of ensuring bnce, of keeping things in check. That boy wasn''t meant to live, but you got in the way."


    I felt like I''d been punched in the gut. I''d saved him, only to learn that he was supposed to die. "So... what happened? Is he still alive?"


    The Administrator shook his head. "No. After you pushed him out of the way, he was hit by another car from the opposite direction. He died a few momentster."


    I sat there in stunned silence, trying to process what he was saying. "So... I died for nothing?"


    The Administrator looked ufortable for a moment, then he sighed. "Well, yes and no. You weren''t supposed to die either, Nico. You were an unnecessary casualty, caught in the crossfire."


    I slumped back in my chair, staring at him. "So now what? I just... I just got swept up in all of this?"


    He clicked a few keys on hisputer again, his expression more focused now.


    "Well, not exactly. You see, the universe works on bnce. You weren''t supposed to die, and because of that, you deservepensation."


    I sat up straighter. "Compensation?"


    The Administrator nodded, tapping away at his keyboard again. "Yes. You''re going to be given another life. A second chance, if you will."


    I leaned forward. "What kind of life?"


    "Well..." He hesitated, then turned his screen toward me. "There''s an avable slot. The abandoned son of a billionaire who is about to... exit the mortal coil. You would take his ce."


    "A billionaire''s son?" I repeated, my eyes wide. A fucking billionaire''s son? That''s a dreame true.


    The Administrator held up a finger. "But, and this is a big but, you won''t exactly be safe in this new life. You''re not originally part of that world, so the universe will try to erase you."


    I sighed. I should''ve expected something like this. "So, even if I''m given my second chance, the universe will erase me."


    He nodded. "Yes. The only way for you to avoid being erased is to be an anchor in that world. You need to make yourself too important, too powerful to be forgotten."


    I frowned. "How do I do that?"


    "By taking control of your father''s empire." The Administrator said, his tone more serious now.


    "You have five years to climb over your seven step sisters and your father. Rip the empire from their hands and make it your own. If you seed, you''ll remain in the world. Fail... and you''ll be erased."


    I stared at him in silence. I had a chance at a second life and had five years to make it mine.


    The Administrator leaned back, giving me a small smile. "So, Nico... do you ept this new life? Or would you prefer your soul to be recycled?"


    I didn''t hesitate. "I''ll take it."


    I''ll be an idiot not to take it. Assuming my soul getting recycled meant I''d be erased and be someone else in a new life, this option was better.


    I get to live as a billionaire''s son and use all my previous experience at failing to rise again. Another opportunity to achieve my dreams as myself. Of course I''ll take it.


    The Administrator smiled, standing up and reaching across the desk to shake my hand. "Good choice. You''ll retain all your memories, all your experiences. It''s the best of both worlds."


    We shook hands. "We''ll send you a helper to assist along the way, Nico. Good luck."


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    And just as quickly as our hands disconnected, I snapped back to the present.


    The headache vanished, the nausea cleared, and in front of me, the blue box hovered again.


    [Assets Calcted.]

 Chapter 17: Mom? Is That You?

    <h4>Chapter 17: Mom? Is That You?</h4>


    [Assets Calcted.]


    I took a deep breath, sitting up on the couch. I told you my story of visiting heaven was a story forter. Now, you know why I was given this second chance.


    [Liabilities Calcted.]


    Five years. Enough time to overthrow an empire.


    [Debts Calcted.]


    I frowned. The system was also calcting M''s debts. That meant I should be expecting something lower than two hundred million dors.


    [Net Worth: 7 million dors.]


    [Reward: 70 million dors.]


    I sighed in... relief? It wasn''t the two hundred million I had been expecting but seventy million dors was a lot of money.


    With this money, I can take my first real step to achieving my goals.


    I sent a silent thank you to the Administrator for the 10x Cashback System. I can''t wait to meet other stamp holders.


    The blue box flickered and disappeared. I sat down for a second in expectation. Any minute now and it woulde.


    One second. Two seconds. Ten seconds.


    Nothing happened.


    I pulled out my phone and checked my ount bnce. Why have I still not received my credit alert yet?


    Aren''t money making systems supposed to have instant deposits? What''s going on? Is my system broken?


    Then, my phone rang. I nced at the screen. A number I didn''t know.


    I was tempted to reject the call and continue waiting for my reward to enter my bank ount but I needed something to keep me distracted for now.


    I picked the call. "Hello?"


    "Good morning. Am I speaking with Mr. Nichs Voss?" A deep voice asked. You know those kinds of voices that make thedies go crazy? That was what this dude had.


    I paused. Who the hell is this? "Yes you are." I answered. "And who am I speaking with?"


    "My name is Michael Lincoln and I am the attorney of Miss Lauren Cooper, your mother, and the executor of her will."


    "Err..." I had no idea what to say.


    "I apologize that it has taken me this long to find you, Mr. Voss." Lincoln said. "I should''ve contacted you a month ago when you turned twenty two but you were hard to find."


    If you heard that your mother''s attorney was looking for you after twenty two years, what would you do?


    "Why were you looking for me?" I asked.


    "Your mother''s will contains a testamentary trust in which the firstyer activates when you turn twenty two. It is time for your mother''s will to be read."


    I stood and began pacing. Maybe this is how my rewards from the system will get to me.


    A source that can legally be exined, not like the magical credit alert I had been waiting for. If the IRS everes calling, I''ll have nothing to fear.


    "What do I need to do?"


    "Would you like the will to be read at my office or at a ce of your choosing?"


    "Your office." I said. Lincoln gave me his office address and I paused. His office was also in Crownborough. How did this guy not find me for a month?


    It didn''t take me long to get into my Audi and in forty five minutes, I was at the Lincoln and Wesley Law Group building.


    I was impressed. Thew firm owned the building. Was my mother just a device the system is using to reward me or is she actually rich and mysterious enough to have a will big enough to hire these people.


    I approached the reception desk, stated what I was here for and in two minutes, I was walking into Lincoln''s office.


    "Mr. Voss." Lincoln stood from his chair and came forward to shake my hand and let me tell you, I was disappointed.


    The image I had built in my head from the voice was not what was standing in front of me. Michael Lincoln was as ordinary as any other dude.


    Early fifties. Salt and pepper brown hair and a beard. Brown eyes, average height and average features. But he was able to make up for it by his voice and his presence.


    We shook hands, his grip firm and he gestured to the table and chairs at the side of the office.


    "Please take a seat, Mr. Voss."


    "Thank you." I sat.


    He grabbed a file from his desk and walked to the table to sit opposite me.


    "Like I said on the phone, your mother''s will has several uses, the first of which activates on your twenty second birthday."


    "I was previously under the impression that you still lived in your previous residence only to discover that you moved after gaining admission at the university. I apologize for my mistakes."


    "There''s no need to apologize, Mr. Lincoln." I smiled. "I''m here now."


    "That is true." Lincoln nodded, matching my smile. "Let us begin with the reading of the will."


    "Lets."


    He nodded, opened the file and began to read.


    "I, Lauren Cooper, of sound mind and body, hereby dere this to be my Last Will and Testament, revoking all former wills and codicils made by me."


    He read the will which exined everything. My mother had left assets to me but I can only receive them when I achieve some milestones in life.


    Then, we got to the section I came here for. The one I had unlocked by turning twenty two.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Upon reaching the age of twenty two, Nichs Voss, my son shall inherit 100% ownership and control of Cooper Real Estate, including all assets, subsidiaries and financial ounts rted to thepany."


    Wait, what?! I blinked in shock. A real estatepany? What happened to my seventy million dors?


    "The executor shall manage thepany until this date, ensuring its continued growth and profitability."


    I opened my mouth to ask questions but decided to wait. It was not a good idea to be rude to the person who had been managing your assets before you got them.


    "Upon his 22nd birthday, the beneficiary shall be informed of this inheritance and shall take over full responsibility for thepany''s operation."


    I waited for the unsealed part of the will to be read. All I had ess to at this moment was the real estatepany.


    Lincoln finally finished and grabbed a folder under the will''s folder and handed it to me.


    "Here, Mr. Voss. Your documents of ownership of Cooper Real Estate which is currently valued at seventy million dors."


    I took the document and began flipping through it. Thepany was really my reward.


    The system hadn''t really said it would give me money. It had said it would give me wealth. Wealth can take the form of apany.


    And now that I think about it, this was better than getting a lump sum of seventy million.


    If I had the cash, it''ll take time for me to grow apany of my own or to even buy one. And seventy million wasn''t enough to buy anypany of significance.


    With the Cooper Real Estate with me, I already have a fully mature business entity to y around with.


    Just the way I like it.

 Chapter 18: Unclaimed Distributions

    <h4>Chapter 18: Unimed Distributions</h4>


    "I still can''t believe this." Matt shook his head from where he sat in the passenger''s seat. "The world works in mysterious ways."


    "I think it''s lord not world." I said with a grin.


    "Same difference." Matt scoffed, waving away my words. "Your mom just had a seventy million dors real estatepany lying around and didn''t give you until you''re twenty two?"


    "Well, when you think about it from her perspective, it makes sense." I shrugged, keeping my eyes on the road.


    "Hmmn." Matt nodded. "You''re right. What''s a seventy million dorpany when you have a billionaire dad? Your sisters are literally richer than that. Well, except the youngest."


    I nodded in agreement. "She couldn''t have seen thising."


    This is another advantage of having my rewarde in such a legally wrapped and packaged little bow. I don''t have to exin like a mad man to Matt where I got the money.


    What would I say? It just magically appeared? He''d still stand by me but he''d definitely assume that the cash had been made illegally.


    "And there''s more where that came from?"


    "Yeah. It''s a testamentary trust. Apparently, she wanted me to achieve some things before I get the rest."


    "Damn. Didn''t know your mum was that rich."


    "Me too."


    After receiving my inheritance, I had gone online, searching for any information avable on my mother and I couldn''t find anything. It was as if she didn''t exist.


    Or at least that was what I thought until the system made an appearance.


    [Restricted Information!]


    [All ess to this information has been restricted as it would affect reward payments.]


    Me actively seeking and finding information on my mother would mean the system would have to find other ways to pay me and they might not be as ideal as this.


    "You know, if you think about it, it actually makes sense." Matt said, bringing me back to the present.


    "Your father was already a billionaire by the time he met your mum. They wouldn''t have been that closer if she was actually an ordinary woman, right?"


    "I guess."


    Logan Voss did have a reputation for only marrying or dating women who were already rich. His first wife, the mother of my elder step sisters, had actually been richer than he was when they got married.


    Then, she died of cancer, leaving him her wealth. Apparently, she''d been so much in love with him, trusting him to look after her two daughters.


    Well, contrary to what you''re thinking, he actually did give them their inheritance when they came of age but not before using it to build his own wealth.


    Hispany now owns significant shares in theirpanies and they see each other at work everyday.


    "So," Matt grinned, "what does this Cooper Real Estate do?"


    "Well, it''s just like every other real estate investment firm. They buy, manage and sell real estate properties."


    "Here''s a fun fact." I grinned, ncing at him to see him listening attentively. "While Cooper Real Estate is valued at seventy million dors, they manage approximately 500 million dors in assets."


    "Damn." Matt whistled, impressed.


    "And it has an annual revenue of at least 18 million dors."


    "That''s... disappointing." Matt frowned.


    "It''s actually impressive." I corrected. "Most people thinkpanies make some giant amountpared to what they''re worth every year but that''s not actually true."


    "That automobilepany, Ve for example, is worth at least 700 billion dors and I think had a yearly revenue of 96 billion. That''s around fifteen percent of it''s worth." I exined.


    "Cooper Real Estate is raking in around twenty five percent of their worth in revenue. That''s impressive as fuck."


    "Well, you know these things better than I do." Mattughed.


    "We''re here." I pulled into the parking space in front of the building.


    It was seven stories tall and at the top had the name of thepany on it.


    Cooper Real Estate.


    I own thepany now. I''ll be an idiot not to take a look for myself.


    We stepped out of the car to see that there was already someone waiting for us outside, standing alone.


    "Wee, Mr. Voss." He grinned as he came forward to shake my hand.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Mr. Gray." I shook his hand. "I already said there was no need for an entourage. I don''t subscribe to those outdated practices."


    "I know, I know." Mr. Gray, the current CEO of Cooper Real Estateughed. "That''s why I''m the only one here greeting you personally."


    "There is no need for that." Iughed along with him. "This is my business partner, Matthew Hardin."


    Matt''s brows rose from being referred to as a business partner but shook Gray''s hand all the same.


    Then, we went up to his office, discussing the past, present and future of thepany.


    The more we spoke, the more I realized how smart Gray was.


    I could understand why Lincoln had ced him in charge of thepany and I had no intention of removing him as CEO.


    Yes. I won''t be taking over thispany for now. I had bigger things to pursue and leading apany would only restrict my time.


    We sat in the spacious office discussing and the topic finally got to the real reason I was here.


    The reason why I prefer the 70 millionpany instead of 70 million cash.


    "ording to our records," Gray presented the documents, "you currently have up to 15 million dors in unimed distributions. From what you said, you''d like to im it now?"


    I nodded. "Yes, I will."


    For limited liabilitypanies like this, I am entitled to a percentage of the profits as a shareholder and the total after twenty two years is a whooping fifteen million.


    Thepany originally earned around 3 million a year twenty-two years ago and had grown it to its current 18 million.


    After paying the operating expenses and taxes, I am entitled to a small percentage of that profit and the rest is invested back into the business.


    With that money in my hand, I''ll use M and buy my way into the wealthy people''s yground.

 Chapter 19: What Can I Do To Repay You?

    <h4>Chapter 19: What Can I Do To Repay You?</h4>


    The Audi zoomed down the road and the radio kept music going on in the background.


    "Gray was chill." Matt nodded to himself like he just made a great promation. "You really will leave him as CEO?"


    "Yeah." I said. "Why should I remove him when he''s already doing a good job?"


    Matt nodded again. He was quite fond of doing that. "But why did you introduce me as your business partner?"


    I grinned. I knew he''d circle back to that.


    "Because I want us to do this together."


    There was a beat of silence in the car.


    "My goal is to take my father''s empire into my hands within five years and I need someone I trust by my side. You are that person."


    Matt paused. "Why five years?"


    "A goal is just a dream without a time limit, bro. You know that."


    "That''s fair." He nodded to himself. Again. "Alright. I''ll be the man you can''t trust. But I better get a crazy sry." He joked.


    "That, my very good friend, is the easiest part." Iughed. All this was just... a formality. Matt was actually the most loyal person I know.


    "So," he yawned, stretching in his seat, "how''s things between you and M?"


    "A bit slow but that''s okay."


    It''s been a week since the whole Emerald Isle thing.


    Our texts have been few and far between as she had returned to her busy schedule, probably trying to recoup whatever she had lost, and I acted busy like I had told her I would be.


    "We''ll be meeting for a cup of coffee at Cafe de paix tomorrow though." I told Matt.


    "Nice." Matt grinned. "So, when will you make your move to get into the exclusive club?"


    "Tomorrow." I replied.


    "How?"


    "Simple." I grinned. "I''m going to buy my way in."


    [][][][][]


    There I was at Cafe de Paix, sipping my espresso as I watched the steady stream of well dressed cafe goerse and go.


    These people clearly had money to burn and I was burning mine along with them.


    I nced at my watch. M will be here soon and today, things will finally move in the direction I wanted. Hopefully.


    The door chimed as someone entered, and I nced up to see M step inside. She spotted me and waved, a bright smile on her face as she made her way over.


    "Hey, stranger." She greeted me as she sat in the chair across from me. "Hope you didn''t wait for too long?"


    "I did." I grinned to show I was joking. "In fact, I was starting to think you''d forgotten about me."


    "Impossible. How could I forget you?"


    "Well, I am impossible to forget." Iughed.


    She smiled, her eyes softening as she settled in. "It''s been a crazy week, huh? I''ve barely had time to breathe."


    "I get it." I said, leaning back in my chair like someone that had also been busy throughout the week. "Same here, but I''m d we could finally catch up."


    We spent time catching up, talking about how her week had been, what I''d been up to.


    I didn''t even have to lie since I''d actually had things to do but I kept things vague of course. I''m not about to tell her I just got an inheritance.


    But as we spoke, I could tell there was something on her mind. She seemed distracted, her fingers idly ying with the edge of her cup.


    "So," I said, after a pause, leaning in slightly. "What''s really going on, M? You seem like you''ve got something weighing on you."


    She better do. I needed to solve her problem for her to solve mine.


    She sighed, her shoulders sagging just a bit. "It''s... my brand. My cosmetic line. It''s taking a bigger hit than I expected."


    I raised an eyebrow even though I was beginning to smile inside. "What kind of hit?"


    She shifted ufortably in her seat, looking down at her coffee.


    "The new product line didn''t sell like I thought it would. We put so much into the design, the marketing... but the numbers just aren''t there. I''m taking huge losses right now."


    She sighed, looking away.


    And this,dies and gentlemen, is the opening I''d been waiting for.


    "M, listen." I said, projecting a calm and reassuring voice. "I believe in what you''re doing. Your brand has potential, real potential. It just needs the right push."


    She looked up at me, meeting my eyes with curiosity. "What do you mean?"


    I leaned forward and spoke confidently. "I''m willing to invest in it. Ten million dors in cash. I can help you turn this around."


    Her eyes widened in shock. "Ten million?" She hissed. "Are you serious?"


    "Completely." I said, keeping my tone even as if ten million was nothing to me. "I see the value in what you''re building, and I''m willing to back you up. It''s an investment."


    For a moment, she just stared at me, speechless. Then her expression shifted into one of pure excitement. "Nico, oh my god! I don''t even know what to say. That''s... that''s incredible."


    I smiled. "You don''t have to say anything. Just make sure my investment isn''t in vain."


    Sheughed as if she couldn''t believe her luck. "I will! I promise, I''ll make sure you won''t regret it."


    I smiled even though I was already regretting it. In fact, I began regretting it the moment I hatched the n.


    Do you know how hard it is to give up ten million dors? And all I had was fifteen million dors.


    Now, I was waiting for her to pop the question.


    That was when she leaned in closer, her eyes shining with gratitude. "What can I do to repay you? I can''t just take this money without giving something back."


    Bingo. The personal nature of my investment meant she views herself in my debt. We both knew the only reason I invested in her business is because I know her personally.


    I waved a hand as if dismissing the idea. "You don''t need to repay me. It''s an investment, not a loan. Just focus on making your brand the sess it deserves to be."


    Useless titudes but she nodded, biting her lip thoughtfully. "Still, I want to do something for you."


    I paused for a moment as if something just urred to me. "Well, now that you mention it..."


    I sipped from my cup. "I''ve been looking for a ce to unwind, somewhere exclusive, somewhere where I can really rx. You wouldn''t happen to know of any good spots, would you?"


    M''s face lit up, as if she''d just remembered something. "Oh! Actually, yes! There''s this ce I go to. It''s super exclusive. The Pine Press Country Club. It''s where all the big names go to get away from the public eye."


    I raised an eyebrow, acting intrigued. "Pine Press, huh? Sounds like just the kind of ce I''ve been looking for."


    She nodded eagerly. "It is! But you can''t just sign up. You need to be rmended by two members to even be considered."


    I leaned back in my chair, smiling. "Really? And you''re a member, I assume?"


    "Of course." She said proudly. "And I can definitely get you in. I''ll be your first rmendation."


    I acted like I was surprised. "You''d do that for me?"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Sheughed, reaching across the table to yfully tap my hand. "Are you kidding? After what you''re doing for me? It''s the least I can do!"


    I smiled at her. "I appreciate it, M. Really."


    "No need to thank me," she said, waving it off with a grin. "I''ll pull some strings and make sure you''re in before the end of the week. You''ll love it there."


    "Looking forward to it." I replied, keeping my tone casual but inside, I was grinning.


    She would do me this favor to return my favor and just like that, I''ll be in the big leagues.

 Chapter 20: It’s Good To Be Back

    <h4>Chapter 20: It''s Good To Be Back</h4>


    Matt sat in the passenger seat of the rented Audi R8, grinning from ear to ear as we drove through the city.


    He had been waiting for a day to catch up on the details, and now that I''d finally given him the rundown on M and the Pine Press Country Club, he was practically bouncing in his seat.


    "Man, I can''t believe you actually got her to pull the strings for you!" He said, unable to hide his excitement. "That''s insane, bro. You''re about to be rubbing shoulders with some serious power yers."


    "That''s the power of my n." I smirked at his words. "She didn''t even hesitate when I brought it up. Just eager to help."


    Matt chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course she didn''t. You dropped ten million on her brand. I''m pretty sure you could''ve asked for anything, and she''d have made it happen."


    Well, he''s not wrong.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "But still, this is huge." He gestured with his hands to show how huge it was. "The Pine Press isn''t just some social club. It''s where the new money and CEOs go to rx,work and n how to get even richer. Getting in there? That''s the next level, bro."


    I nodded in agreement. Pine Press was next level shit but I still wasn''t in.


    "Even if M gets me the second rmendation, I still have to pass the interview to be an official member."


    "That''s easy." Matt scoffed. "Just tell them you''re Logan Voss'' son."


    "That won''t work." I shook my head, while still keeping my eyes on the road. "First, nobody knows my father has a son."


    "Second, how would I even prove I''m Logan Voss'' son and not someone with a simrst name?"


    "And finally, even if they confirmed me as Logan Voss'' son, the news would get out and inevitably reach my family. Who knows what my father would do when he hears I''m not staying put in the cage he ced me in."


    "That''s..." Matt frowned. "If you won''t be iming yourself as Logan Voss'' son, what''s your n?"


    "That''s the thing." I grinned. "I don''t have one."


    Matt turned to look at me so fast, I feared he got whish. "What do you mean you don''t have a n?"


    "I mean I don''t have a n. Yet." I grinned. "I have two weapons at my disposal. Cooper Real Estate and M."


    "And?"


    "I can only know how to use those weapons when I know what I''m facing. Is it an uptight interviewer? A board? A casual dude with dad energy? Know your enemy and know yourself and you''ll never lose a thousand battles."


    Matt thought about it before nodding. "You do have a point. But what about once you''re in?"


    "I also don''t have a n yet." I grinned, knowing I''m annoying him.


    "Exin." He said with the patience of a man waiting to die.


    "I have a broad n. Get in, observe, find an opportunity and then seize it. It''s useless to pick someone as a target from the inside. I need to know my enemy before I begin fighting."


    Matt leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "Smart."


    "Trust me, bro. Overnning can sometimes kill an opportunity."


    Yes, I''m speaking from experience. I once had a meeting for an investment opportunity but ended up overnning.


    The person I met wasn''t the person I nned for and I ended up fucking it up. At least, I can use the lesson learned here.


    "But you know you''re going to have to make a big impression, right?" Matt asked. "You can''t just blend in with these people. You need to stand out, show them you''re someone they need to keep an eye on."


    "Oh, don''t worry. I''ve got that covered. Once I get my footing, they won''t be able to ignore me."


    I needed attention to attract investment. Sometimes, people invest in the person and not the business. I learned that lesson in the same meeting I learnt the dangers of overnning.


    "Good." Matt grinned. "Once you''re in, you''ve got to make sure you''re unforgettable."


    I nodded in agreement, already thinking about the possibilities.


    The Pine Press Country Club was a yground for the elite, and once I got in, I''d have ess to the kind of people who could help me rise even further.


    The trick was figuring out which connections would benefit me the most and which ones I could exploit.


    We finally arrived at our destination. The repair shop.


    Matt nced at me, his grin widening at seeing my anticipation. "I bet you''ve been waiting for this." He grinned.


    "You have no idea," I said, pulling into the parking lot.


    We stepped out of the Audi, and almost instantly, I spotted it.


    My McLaren Senna, sitting perfectly under the light of the sun like the beautiful machine that it was. My heart kept beating in my chest and Iughed like a little child.


    Thest time I''d seen it, it had been a mangled wreck, but now? Now it was back to its former glory.


    Matt whistled, shaking his head. "Damn. She looks good."


    "Better than good." I muttered, my eyes tracing the familiar curves of the car. "She''s perfect."


    The mechanic came over, wiping his hands on a rag as he gave me a nod.


    "Everything''s been taken care of, Mr. Voss. We had to rece a few panels and recalibrate the aerodynamics, but it''s as good as new. You''re clear to take her for a spin whenever you''re ready."


    In a minute, I had the keys in my hand. I stood for a moment, staring at the car. "Every setback is a step forward."


    I sighed. "I''ve missed you, Senna."


    I turned to Matt, tossing him the keys to the R8. "You can take the Audi back. I''ll be driving this beauty home."


    Matt caught the keys with a grin. "Fair enough. I wouldn''t want to get between you and your car."


    I walked over to the Senna, running my hand along the hood, feeling the cool metal beneath my fingers. It was good to have it back.


    I climbed inside, the roar of the engine filling my ears as I started it up. The power, the control, it all came rushing back to me.


    Matt gave me a thumbs up as I revved the engine. "Try not to get pulled over on the way home!"


    I smirked, shifting into gear. "No promises."


    As I pulled out of the lot, I couldn''t help but feel that things were finally moving in the right direction. The Pine Press was within reach and my car, my prized Senna, was back in my hands.


    I was one step closer to tearing down the empire and building something even greater in its ce.


    As long as the universe didn''t have any more surprises for me.

 Chapter 21: I Know What You’re Doing

    <h4>Chapter 21: I Know What You''re Doing</h4>


    The McLaren Senna purred like a pleased lover beneath me as I pulled into the parking lot of the Pine Press Country Club.


    It had been two weeks since I submitted my application, and now, here I was, on the final step to entering the exclusive world I had been aiming for.


    The parking lot was like a showroom. I nced around, spotting cars that made even my Senna look average.


    There were Bugattis, Rolls-Royces, and Aston Martins lining the spaces, each one more extravagant than thest.


    It was as if the guys using this space were ying a game of who has the cooler and most expensive car.


    In any other ce, the Senna would be a head turner, but here? It was just another vehicle in the lineup.


    I stepped out of the car like the ordinary guy that I was, straightening my jacket. Today was the day of my membership evaluation interview and I''d dressed my best in business casual.


    Casual enough for the casual guys and business enough for the uptight folks.


    As I walked up to the entrance of the club, I saw M waiting by the grand double doors.


    Her face lit up the moment she saw me, and she waved excitedly. I smiled and walked up to her.


    "Nico!" She greeted, pulling me into a warm, and friendly, hug. "You''re finally here."


    "Had to make sure I wasn''t dreaming this whole thing up." I replied with a smirk.


    "Well, it''s not a dream." She said, releasing me and gesturing toward the entrance. "Come on. They''re expecting you."


    I followed her through the doors and I was instantly mesmerized. I''ve never seen a ce scream wealth like this before.


    Marble floors, glowing chandeliers, and an air of exclusivity that you could practically taste. And did I mention the chandeliers? I''ll never understand the wealthy and their love for chandeliers.


    Even the air here smelled expensive.


    We approached the reception desk, where a smartly dressed attendant looked up from hisputer. M smiled at him. "This is Nico Voss, here for a guest pass."


    The attendant''s fingers flew over the keyboard for a moment before he nodded, printing out a pass and handing it to me. "Wee, Mr. Voss. You''ve been confirmed on the guest list. Enjoy your time at Pine Press."


    I took the pass, shing the man a quick smile, and followed M into the club.


    We passed through corridors lined with tasteful art, and soon, we entered a lounge that looked like something out of a billionaire''s fantasy.


    I honestly don''t have the words to exin it.


    All I could articte was the sweeping view of the rolling golf course that one could see from their leather seats that looked like a collector''s item.


    The crowd inside was equally impressive. Thedies and gentlemen sipped on their expensive wines, discussing whatever it is people who didn''t have to worry about money discuss.


    "Come on." M said, tugging me gently by the arm. "I want you to meet someone."


    She led me to a seating area by the massive windows where a man was lounging with a drink in hand.


    He had the face normally associated with royalty. Chiseled jaw, high cheekbones and a suit that was definitely custom tailored.


    He sat with the kind of confidence that told me everything I needed to know before M even introduced him.


    "Noah, this is Nico. Nico, meet Noah Patterson."


    Noah stood up, extending his hand with a warm smile. "Nico, I''ve heard a lot about you."


    I shook his hand, matching his smile. "All good things, I hope."


    "Of course." Noah replied, gesturing for us to sit like he owned the ce.


    "M''s told me about the work you''ve been doing, and I have to admit, I was impressed enough to fast-track your application. Normally, new applicants sit on a waiting list for months, sometimes years."


    I nodded, even though there was nothing to nod about. "I can''t thank you enough for that. It does mean a lot."


    Noah waved it off, as if fast tracking another millionaire''s application was just another Tuesday for him. "Don''t mention it. M asked for a favor and I was happy to help."


    We ordered drinks and the conversation flowed.


    "So," Noah smiled, "How are you feeling about your interview? Nervous?"


    I smiled, shaking my head. "Not really. I''m looking forward to it, actually."


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "Confident. I like that."


    M beamed beside me, clearly happy that Noah seemed to approve. Then, her eyes widened as she spotted a friend across the room, excusing herself to go say hello.


    The moment she left, Noah changed.


    His friendly smile disappeared faster than a can of beer at a frat party.


    His eyes were cold as he leaned forward.


    "Let''s cut the bullshit, Nico." He said, his voice low. "I know exactly what you''re doing."


    I blinked in surprise. Where had the previous Noah gone? Did M just introduce me to a psychopath?


    "I''m not sure what you mean." I said in genuine confusion.


    Noah''s eyes narrowed as he stared at me.


    "You''re using M to climb the socialdder. You think I don''t see it?"


    My heart skipped a beat at that moment but of course, I didn''t allow it to show. Can this guy read minds?


    "The only reason I helped fast track your application is because I don''t want to be the guy responsible when you pull out your ten million dors from her brand and leave her high and dry."


    I would never do that as it would only damage my reputation but this guy was smart. He quickly puzzled out what I wanted from M. This was not good.


    "Noah, I don''t know where you''re getting this idea from." I said, ying the part of the concerned friend. "I''m serious about helping M with her brand. My investment isn''t some kind of scam, you know."


    "Really? Then why is it I''ve never heard of you before?"


    I had nothing to say to that?


    "You show up out of nowhere, throwing money around like you''re some big yer, but I''ve seen this kind of thing before. Guys like you, opportunists, always looking for a way in."


    I kept my cool, even as my mind was working a mile a minute, trying to figure out a way out of this situation.


    As if the heavens were on my side, my phone began to ring.


    I nced at the caller ID. It was Michael Lincoln.


    I saw Noah''s eyes widen as he saw the name on the screen.


    "Wait... is that the Michael Lincoln?" He asked in surprise, his suspicion gone.


    I nodded, giving him a small smile. "It is."


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Noah leaned back in his chair in surprise. "Is he... yourwyer?"


    Was Lincoln some kind of bigshot? I definitely could use this. It better be him and not some other famous attorney called Michael Lincoln.


    Instead of answering Noah, I picked the call, putting it on speakerphone.


    "Nico." Lincoln said in his familiar baritone. "I''ve sent over the final documents on the Cooper Real Estate. Everything''s in order, so give me a call if you have any questions."


    "Thanks, Michael." I said with a grin. "I''ll take a look at themter today."


    "Very well." Lincoln hung up as if he didn''t notice me calling him by his first name. Grinning inside, I slipped the phone into my pocket, meeting Noah''s now impressed gaze.


    Noah cleared his throat, recalibrating his thoughts. "If Lincoln''s yourwyer, that changes things."


    I shrugged, ying it off as if it was no big deal. "Well, he''s good at what he does."


    Noah shook his head, smiling apologetically. "Look, Nico, I''m sorry for jumping to conclusions. Lincoln''s one of the most respectedwyers around, especially in this circle."


    My brows rose. Was mywyer really that high profile?


    "Mention him in your interview with the board, and I can guarantee you''ll be a member of the club in no time."


    I gave him a small smile, even as I was stopping myself from sighing in relief. "Thanks, Noah. I appreciate the advice."


    I don''t know who''s in charge of coincidences in heaven but whoever it is, I''d like to give them a big thank you.


    They''d just pulled me out of a dicey situation and gave me the final weapon for my interview.

 Chapter 22: The Interview

    <h4>Chapter 22: The Interview</h4>


    M returned to the table to meet Noah and I trading jokes back and forth.


    She sat down, smiling radiantly. "What are you two talking about?" She teased, ncing between the two of us.


    "You''re not gonna believe this." Noah leaned back, a smug smile on his face. "Nico''s personal attorney is Michael Lincoln."


    M''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, ''the'' Michael Lincoln?" She asked, ncing at me, impressed. "I heard that Lincoln doesn''t take on a lot of clients. That''s impressive."


    I shrugged casually. "Well, it''s not that big of a deal."


    "In here, it kinda is." M grinned. "He''s a member of the club, you know."


    "Really?" It was my brow''s turn to shoot up. I nced at Noah who nodded to show it was true.


    "Yeah. You didn''t mention that you knew him." She gave me a yful nudge with her elbow. "Holding out on me?"


    I chuckled. "Didn''t seem important at the time."


    If I had known, I definitely would have mentioned it.


    M nced at her watch before gasping theatrically. "Wow. Time does move when you''re having fun." She turned to me. "It''s almost time for your interview. You ready?"


    I nodded, confidence flooding my body. "I''m ready."


    Even if I wasn''t ready, I would''ve said I was. Fake it till you make it wasn''t just a mantra. It actually does work.


    M stood and motioned for me to follow her. "Come on, I''ll walk you there."


    We left the lounge and began walking to the interview room, walking past a few abstract paintings.


    "So, what do you think of Noah?" M asked curiously.


    I shrugged. "He''s... nice, I guess."


    "Yeah, he is." M chuckled. "He was the one who actually got me in. I met him at one of my shoots and we hit it off. He rmended me for membership."


    My brows rose. Was he that much of a good samaritan or was he another guy with an unrequited crush?


    "The board was actually nning to reject my application but Noah stepped in, making them ept me for PR or something like that."


    I blinked. "Is he really that influential enough to influence the board''s decision?"


    "Of course." M nodded. "He''s the only son of Abraham Patterson, owner of Golden Oil."


    Ah. Now, I understand. Golden Oil was one of the bigger oilpanies, involved in mining of oil and the production of petroleum products.


    With a family with aworth in the billions, I could see how he''d be influential.


    The Pine Press Country Club had only a handful of billionaires. It was a gathering ce for the elite but it wasn''t like billionaires were as avable as grass.


    We finally got to the door of the interview where there was an older gentleman with a clipboard. "Mr. Voss?" He asked, scanning my face.


    "Yes." I answered. There was no way I would''ve been able to apply for membership without myst name.


    I had told M and in the process, rified that I was just distantly rted to the Voss family.


    "Right this way." The man smiled. "They''re ready for you."


    I nced at M, who gave me a reassuring nod before I stepped inside.


    The room was decorated in that nd way rich people decorated things that somehow made it somehow not nd. More rich people sorcery.


    There was a long table and seated at it were three interviewers, two men and one woman, all of them in their fifties.


    They were dressed impably and sat with the kind of confidence that came from being at the top for years.


    I had met people like this. With them, ttery would get you anywhere.


    The man who had led me in gestured for me to sit, and I took my seat at the head of the table.


    The interviewers greeted me with polite smiles, assessing me as if they were already formting their opinions about me. Just as I expected.


    They all introduced themselves before the woman began.


    "Wee to Pine Press Country Club, Mr. Voss. We appreciate you taking the time today for this interview."


    "Thank you for having me." I replied with a smile, maintaining eye contact. "It''s an honor just to be here."


    The older of the two men nodded, folding his hands on the table. "The Pine Press Country Club is very selective with its members, as I''m sure you know. We would like to hear a little about your background. Tell us about yourself, Mr. Voss."


    I smiled, projecting confidence while keeping it all humble.


    "I''ve spent thest several years building my presence in the investment world, focusing mainly on real estate and consumer goods."


    It doesn''t matter if they search and find nothing. They''ll probably never search. When the person rmending me is Noah Patterson, I''ve got a little bit of credibility.


    "I believe in creating value wherever possible, and that philosophy has guided me in both my professional and personal life."


    It does sound like something you''ll post on LinkedIn but it does work on these types.


    The second man, who had been watching quietly, nodded. "Interesting. Yourst name, Voss, is somewhat familiar. Are you rted to Logan Voss, the billionaire?"


    I had been expecting this question and I smiled humbly. "Yes sir. We''re distant rtives." I met their eyes confidently.


    Being distant rtives meant I wasn''t so close that they''d be asking me about Voss matters but I also couldn''t deny being rted to Voss. That''s an advantage in matters like this.


    "I see." The woman jotted something down on the paper in front of her, her eyes flicking back to me. "And what made you interested in joining Pine Press?"


    I leaned forward slightly, disying enthusiasm but not too much of it. "Pine Press is amunity of the best minds in business, art, and innovation. I''m interested in learning from the people here, expanding mywork, and contributing to the ongoing sess of the club."


    The older man raised an eyebrow, pleased with my answer. "That''s a strong perspective." He said. "Tell us, Mr. Voss, what kind of ventures are you currently involved in?"


    I saw my opportunity and took it.


    "At the moment, I''m working closely with my legal team on a significant real estate deal. My attorney, Michael Lincoln, has been quite instrumental in getting things in order."


    The mention of Lincoln''s name had the effect I was hoping for. The interviewers exchanged loaded nces. Noah was right. Lincoln''s name did carry some weight around here.


    "Michael Lincoln?" The older man asked. "He''s not someone who takes on clients lightly. That speaks volumes about you, Mr. Voss."


    I gave a small nod, acknowledging thepliment. "I''ve been fortunate to have his expertise on my side."


    From that moment onward, the atmosphere in the room shifted to one of approval.


    The conversation was more rxed and by the end of the interview, the three of them were smiling, even joking with me. It was as if I was a member of the club already.


    "Well, Mr. Voss," the woman said, standing up as the interview came to a close, "we''ll be making our final decision soon, but based on today''s conversation, I''d say you have a strong case for membership."


    The second man nodded, standing as well. "It''s been a pleasure meeting you, Nico."


    "The pleasure''s been mine." I replied, standing and shaking their hands, one by one.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    And just as I stepped out of the room, it appeared in front of me.


    [Ding!]


    [Stamp Holder detected!]

 Chapter 23: My Favorite Sport Is Tennis

    <h4>Chapter 23: My Favorite Sport Is Tennis</h4>


    My eyes snapped to the box.


    A new stamp holder? Sweet!


    Then, I was pulled back to reality by M. "So? How did it go?" She asked.


    "I... um." I stammered, my brain still processing the fact that there was a stamp holder nearby. "I think... it went pretty well."


    Sheughed, pulling me into a quick hug. "Of course it did! They''d be crazy not to let you in."


    In the middle of the hug, I nced up to see the stamp holder at the end of the corridor.


    The now familiar blue arrow was above her head and pointing down. She wasn''t passing through here but was taking the other turn.


    I couldn''t see her clearly but I saw that she was dressed in tennis gear, carrying a duffel bag and a tennis racquet.


    I hoped she was going to y and was not leaving after ying because how else will I find out who she was if she isn''t at the tennis courts.


    The hug quickly ended and M smiled up at me. "That''s the onepulsory activity of the day. What else would you like to do?" She asked as we began walking back to the lounge.


    "Hmm." I made a show of thinking about it, a smile on my face. We both know exactly what I want to do.


    "Choose wisely." M said yfully. "Take advantage of your guest status today."


    "Let me see." I said before nodding decisively. "How about tennis?"


    "Tennis?" M chuckled in mild surprise. "Didn''t know you were interested in tennis."


    "Well, it''s a new interest." I replied.


    Of course, I didn''t care about tennis. Never really watched it either but how hard could it be to run around whacking balls?


    Whatever happened, I had to find out about my new stamp holder.


    "Hey, Nico!" Noah greeted us as we entered the lounge. He had been on his way out. "How was the interview?"


    "It was nice actually." I nodded. "I think I can say it went better than I thought it would."


    "Great." He nodded with a smile, ncing between M and I. "So, what are you guys up to?"


    "Nico here wants to experience our tennis courts." M answered.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You didn''t look like a tennis guy." Noah remarked. "I guess looks can be deceiving."


    "I guess." I agreed.


    "Can I join you guys?" Noah asked with a smile.


    "Of course." I answered with an even bigger smile. If M didn''t know who thedy was, Noah was bound to. Either way, I''ll know who my next target is.


    Minutester, we were walking into the male locker rooms. Noah already had his outfit and locker, pulling off his suit.


    I nced around the room, wondering how they were able to make a locker room look like a luxury hotel.


    Pine Press was about as good as it got in Antarctica. The other continents might have better clubs but here, it was the king of country clubs and I could see that it deserved the title.


    An attendant entered, handing me a fresh set of tennis outfits. I thanked him, and quickly changed, pulling on the crisp white polo shirt and matching shorts.


    "What kind of sorcery is this?" I wondered aloud. How had the attendant gotten an outfit that fit like a glove on the very first try?


    "Looks good on you." Noahplimented me, straightening his own shirt. "The club''s got plenty of spares for guests, so make yourself at home."


    "Appreciate it,." I replied, looking at myself in the mirror. I smiled confidently because today, tennis was my favorite sport.


    We grabbed our duffel bags, heading to the courts where M would meet us.


    I''ve always wondered what those athletes put in their duffel bags and today, I satisfied my curiosity.


    My duffel bag contained towels , tennis balls, racquets, water bottles, headbands and wristbands.


    I almost felt like a professional on his way to a match.


    "So," Noah said as we walked, pulling me out of my thoughts. "What do you think of M?"


    I made sure my expression didn''t change as I nced at him. What kind of answer was he looking for?


    "Well," I said slowly, "I think she''s got a lot of drive." I nodded. "I admire her work ethic and her intelligence. She''s a good friend."


    Noah smiled at my words, nodding. Then, he seemed to change his mind about something. Is this what I think it is?


    "I like M." He said confidently. "More than just as a friend."


    It is what I think it is. Noah had feelings for M, and while that wasn''t exactly surprising, it was useful information.


    I smiled back, ying the part of the supportive friend. "Hey, who wouldn''t? M''s amazing. You should go for it."


    He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe someday. But you know how it is. Complicated, with work and all that."


    "Yeah, I get it." I said, making sure to keep my tone light. "But I think you''d have a shot."


    Noah smiled appreciatively but didn''t say anything else as we stepped out onto the pristine tennis courts.


    The courts themselves looked like they''d been perfectly manicured by a team of experts. A dazzling green that almost glowed under the sun.


    M was already there, stretching and chatting with another club member. She looked over and waved, smiling as she saw us.


    As I walked, my head darted around and the box popped up again.


    [Ding!]


    [Stamp Holder detected.]


    The arrow was still above her head. Well, it was good to know that the system would still show me the stamp holder if I didn''t know their name yet.


    There she was in the neighboring court, currently ying a match with another woman.


    Her brown hair was bound in a ponytail and she moved athletically from one corner to the other, swinging her racquet this way and that.


    "Hey, Noah." I said casually, slowing down our pace as we walked.


    "Yeah?" He slowed down to match my pace.


    Perfect.


    "Who are those ying over there?" I asked, nodding towards the next court.


    Noah nced at where I''d indicated. "Oh, that''s Charlotte." He said, gesturing to the first woman who was returning a serve.


    "And the other one?"


    "Quinn Adams."


    Immediately I heard the name, the hovering arrow disappeared.


    It''s time to multiply my wealth.

 Chapter 24: Exclusivity As A Service

    <h4>Chapter 24: Exclusivity As A Service</h4>


    "Quinn Adams." I gestured grandly to the picture being projected on the wall.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Quinn Adams." Matt repeated, staring at the woman.


    Quinn Adams had a soft delicate face that was synonymous with elegance and innocence. She hadrge almond shaped eyes that were also a shade of brown that matched her hair.


    Complete with a cute button nose and full pink lips, she was known as the ''cute'' Adam.


    "So..." Matt turned to look at me. "Why am I staring at a picture of a woman I probably will never meet?"


    "Quinn Adams is the youngest and only daughter of the Adams family."


    "And?" Matt asked. "I''d rather hear your thoughts on your interview."


    "She''s our new target." I said.


    "Of course, she''s our-. Wait, what?" Matt sat up, now paying attention.


    "The sess story of the Adams family started modestly in thete 19th century with a man called Jeffery Adams." I continued my exnation.


    "He founded a small hotel on the coast of New Ennd. That single property has since be a global empire with the Adams family now controlling some of the biggest resorts around the world."


    "However, the Adams family is now divided into two, due to the... betrayal of the younger brother. But we''re not here to talk about him. We''re here for the older brother''s family."


    "Today, Quinn''s family''s wealth is estimated at twenty billion dors. The family''s holdings are diversified, extending beyond hospitality into real estate, private equity, and even art collections."


    "But their portfolio of resorts still remains their number one money maker. Today, the family is led by its patriarch, Robert Adams."


    "I see." Matt nodded. "Just one question. Why do we need to know about Robert Adams? Isn''t Quinn our target."


    "Know thy enemy, Matt." I shook my head like a sage and he grabbed one of those couch pillows and threw it at me.


    I ducked, grinning at him.


    "Let me quickly break down the wealth distribution of the Adams family." I turned back to the projector, clicking on a pie chart.


    "Quinn has two brothers. Brother one is worth two billion." I raised a second finger. "Brother two is worth one billion. Her mother is worth two billion and the patriarch himself? Fifteen billion."


    Matt frowned. "Wait a minute." He raised a hand. "Isn''t that a total of twenty billion?"


    I nodded.


    "Then, how much is Quinn worth?"


    "Fifty million." I said. Stamping her seal will me a whooping five hundred million dors, taking my worth to five hundred and seventy million dors.


    "What the fuck?" Matt blinked, bbergasted at the low amount. "How? Why?"


    "Simple. The Adams family has a strict... inheritance policy that goes back to Jeffery Adams." I said. "Only male children get to inherit."


    Matt opened and closed his mouth, having no idea what to say next.


    "While she''s the... gem of the Adams family, Quinn is given little to no roles in the family business and that means she mostly lives off her family''s wealth."


    "Okay. First question. Where did you meet her?"


    "The Pine Press Country Club."


    "And you''ve established contact?"


    "No." I answered.


    "Why not?"


    "Simple." I grinned. "Know thy enemy."


    Matt grabbed another pillow and I raised both hands in surrender. "Alright. Alright. I''ll exin." Iughed.


    He narrowed his eyes before dropping the pillow.


    "First, I''m not yet an official member of the Pine Press. It sounds better to introduce myself as a member than a guest."


    "True." Matt nodded.


    "And second, I needed to know who I was approaching in order to know the method I''ll use to make a positive impression. I can''t afford to make a fool of myself."


    "That''s... also true." Matt grabbed the pillow and threw it at me. "Damn you, Nico. Why are you always making sense?"


    I dodged the pillow,ughing. "One of us has to be the smart one."


    He flipped me off.


    "That,dies and gentlemen," I bowed, "is my presentation."


    I turned off the projector and clicked on the lights.


    We both winced as our eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness.


    "Alright." Matt said. "What''s the n?"


    "Boutique hotels."


    "Exin." Matt said with a serious expression on his face.


    "If everyone in your family is entitled to an inheritance except you, how would you feel?"


    "Bitter." Matt answered straight away.


    "Bingo." I said. "And if someone gives you a chance to start something that could one day one up your family''s business?"


    "I''ll take it even if I didn''t just out of spite."


    "Exactly." I snapped my fingers. "I''ll use that feeling inside of Quinn, no matter how small it is. There''s no way she''s as angelic and innocent as she looks."


    "So, you''re betting your shot on a hunch?"


    "No. I''m betting my shot on a good business opportunity. A boutique hotel chain."


    "I''ll offer her the opportunity to use her connections to build a brand of luxury boutique hotels."


    "What we''ll sell will be the same thing the Pine Press Country Club is selling. Exclusivity."


    "We''ll cater to the one percent and build a brand that has the potential to put her on the same level as her brothers. She''ll be a fool not to take it."


    "I see." Matt nodded. "For my second question, why her? You said she''s worth fifty million dors. Why not go for someone with more money?"


    "I chose her because she''s worth fifty million dors."


    Matt frowned.


    "If she was worth higher, she probably won''t even take me seriously but as she''s worth lower, she''ll be more likely to listen."


    "Not to mention the fact that I own a real estate investment firm. I''ll provide the property for the hotels and she''ll bring in the clients. Simple."


    "But of course it won''t be that simple. She''ll need to invest ten million dors. This should be affordable for her and is exactly how she''ll gain equity."


    "I don''t need her, Matt. I need the people she knows."


    "And you''ll cover most of the costs of this project on your own?"


    I nodded. "Yes."


    "You don''t have that much money."


    "Yes, I don''t. That''s why I''ll borrow it."


    "Wait, what?"

 Chapter 25: Innocent Little Lie

    <h4>Chapter 25: Innocent Little Lie</h4>


    "Are you crazy?" Matt asked, surprised. "You want to borrow for this... boutique hotel?"


    "Yes." I said calmly. "There''s no other way for me to get the money for this venture."


    "Dude." Matt scoffed. "You don''t even have anything valuable enough to support a project of this size.".


    Heughed before pausing, his eyes opening wide in realization.


    "Don''t tell me..." His eyes snapped to me. "Cooper Real Estate?"


    "Yup." I nodded. "I have an asset worth seventy million dors. If that isn''t enough to secure a loan I don''t know what is."


    "I know I''ve asked this before but..." Matt took a deep breath. "Are you crazy?!"


    He stood, walking closer to me.


    "Bro, that''s your inheritance. You can''t just wager your inheritance on something that might not work."


    "It will work." I assured him calmly.


    "No it won''t!" He said, running his hand through his hair. "You are making a big mistake."


    I stood there, saying nothing.


    "From everything that happened with M, I have confidence that you can get Quinn to agree to this venture but there''s nothing that guarantees that it will seed."


    "True." I said. He was right. There was nothing that guaranteed that the boutique hotels would seed.


    "Then why?" He asked, taking a step back. He could see that I was sticking to my guns. "Why are you so confident?


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He didn''t have the whole picture. He doesn''t know what''s at stake here.


    Five hundred million dors.


    That''s a lot of money.


    Yes. I''m betting my whole future on this one opportunity.


    If I fail, I''ll lose my seventy million. But right now, the reward was much greater than the risk.


    But Matt didn''t know that. I had to exin this in a way he would understand and that meant lying.


    "Let me tell you why this venture is so important." I said calmly. "Please take a seat."


    He stared at me for a long moment before sitting down.


    "Did you know that when I went for my mother''s will, reading I was able to glimpse at one of the sealed pages?"


    Matt opened his mouth like he wanted to say something but had no idea what to say.


    "I saw one of the uses and a way to unlock it." I grinned at him.


    "ording to the will, in order to get my inheritance of apany worth around five hundred million dors, I had to create my own venture worth at least twenty million dors."


    Matt stared at me, repeating the thing that stuck the most in his mind. "Five hundred million dors?"


    I grinned, waiting for him to process the thought.


    Yes I was lying but the end result will be the same thing.


    If I sessfully sleep with Quinn Adams, I would get ess to half a billion dors. All I needed to do was seduce her.


    "So you''re telling me that your mother wanted you to start a business of your own worth at least twenty million to get five hundred million?"


    "Yes."


    "Woah." Matt blinked. "Rich people are sure on another level. Why not just give your kid directly? Why go through all this trouble?"


    "To make me a better businessman?" I smirked.


    "Fuck off." He flipped me off. Then he sat up straight. "Wait a minute."


    He raised his hand.


    "The will doesn''t require you to specifically enter into business with someone else. So, why enter a partnership?"


    "We''re a two-man army, Matt." I grinned. "We entered the Pine Press Country Club to get connections of our own. Why not begin gathering them now?"


    "Shit, bro." Matt grinned. "I guess you''re thinking ahead."


    "So, we''ll kill many birds with one stone. We''ll create a business that can bring more wealth, give us more connections and at the same time unlock a use in my mother''s will."


    "Alright. Let''s do this."


    "Wait." I held up a hand. "There might be just one teensy tiny problem."


    Matt paused. "And you''re just telling me now?" He asked.


    "Well, I had to save the best for thest."


    "Alright. Shoot. What''s the problem?"


    "Quinn Adams is close friends with Jenny Voss."


    Matt shot out of his seat. "Jenny Voss?! Your sister Jenny Voss?"


    "Yes." I nodded. "My sister Jenny Voss."


    "Damn. That''s a big problem."


    "Luckily for us, Jenny is in New York right now. Hopefully, she doesn''te back to Crownsborough or we''re cooked."


    Jenny will never reveal to a friend that we''re siblings but that doesn''t mean she won''t try all she can to destroy any chance I have of getting anything I want.


    That''s the only thing she takes pleasure in when ites to me.


    [][][][][]


    New York.


    Same day.


    Music thrummed through the speakers of the nightclub and the dancers danced underneath the shing lights.


    Drinks flowed like water.


    The men chased thedies and thedies rejected the men.


    But all this didn''t matter to those sitting high up at the VIP section.


    The lighting in the elevated section was dim but functional.


    The guests in this section of the club were dressed in designer items but even among those guests, there was a space of exclusivity.


    And sitting in that space were threedies.


    Out of them, only one mattered and she sat in the middle of the couch, texting on her phone and ignoring the expensive bottles in front of her.


    "I''m going down." One of the girls said, and left the section, going down to the dance floor, leaving two on that couch.


    A well dressed man came to hit on one of the girls but was intercepted by a huge guard.


    He backed off and walked away, whispering among his friends.


    The two women had no idea of what just took ce.


    The second woman turned away from her phone to talk to her texting friend.


    "Hey Jenny. Did you have a party at Emerald Isle?"


    "Hmmn?" Jenny Voss hummed, distracted by her phone. "What did you say?"


    Her friend repeated the question.


    "No, I didn''t. It isn''t time for the annual party." She answered the question without looking up from her phone.


    "Then, why is M Devon at Emerald Isle?"


    "Who?" Jenny finally raised her head, brushing her purple hair away from her eyes. She was d the dye came along nicely.


    "M Devon." Her friend said, handing her the phone.


    Jenny took the phone and scrolled through the pictures of M Devon at Emerald Isle.


    Then, she got to thest picture. A picture of Crownsborough from the sea.


    There was a man at the edge of the frame. Only his back could be seen but Jenny could recognize him.


    "Nico." She hissed.


    She stood, looking at her friend. "Change of ns. I''m going to Crownsborough."

 Chapter 26: The Gray Stamp Of Approval

    <h4>Chapter 26: The Gray Stamp Of Approval</h4>


    I sat across from Mr. Gray in the boardroom at the top floor of the Cooper Real Estate building.


    The floor to ceiling windows gave us a nice view of the city outside but none of us was actually enjoying it at this moment.


    We were both focused on the documents spread out in front of us.


    Gray had been able to provide blueprints, financial forecasts and even a few preliminary projections for the luxury boutique hotel venture I had in mind.


    I honestly hadn''t expected him to be this prepared but I guess I underestimated hispetence.


    He leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the documents.


    He was a man who had built his career by taking risks but calcted ones, the kind that often led to sess.


    He''d been able to take Cooper Real Estate from a middlingpany worth thirty million to what it was today.


    And now, I needed him to help me do the same for this new project.


    You didn''t think I was going to do everything myself, did you? Come on. I''m not that arrogant.


    And it''s much better to find someone morepetent than you are and pay them to do what you can''t.


    That, my friends, is how the rich innovate.


    "Alright." Gray said, putting down the documents. "This is what I''ve been able toe up with so far."


    "Impressive." I nodded. "But I can see that you do have some questions." I smiled.


    "Well, you''ve got a solid concept here, Mr. Voss, but building luxury boutique hotels? That''s something else entirely."


    "We''re looking at a significant upfront investment. Real estate acquisition, construction, design, staffing, marketing" He paused to nce at the documents again.


    "You''re easily looking at eighty to a hundred million per location, minimum. And that''s just to start."


    I nodded, already prepared for him to throw those numbers. I''d also done my own preparation.


    "I know the costs are high, but the demand for luxury boutique hotels is rising, especially in ces like Crownsborough and cities with a simr wealthy poption."


    I gestured to the city outside.


    "The key is exclusivity. Small, high-end, personalized experiences. The kind of service that can''t be replicated by big chains."


    Gray raised an eyebrow at my exnation.


    "It''s not just about throwing money at the problem, Mr. Voss. We''ll need to consider locations carefully. You mentioned starting with two hotels, right? Where do you have in mind?"


    "One here in Crownsborough." I said, leaning forward. "I want one near the marina."


    He frowned, pulling out a map of the city.


    "The wealthy in Crownsborough love the waterfront and this location is right in the middle of the action. Close to the nightlife but secluded enough to give the feel of privacy."


    Gray nodded, tapping the map in front of him thoughtfully.


    "Good choice. Waterfront property will always bring in high-end clients. What about the second location?"


    "New York." I said, watching his reaction. "One of the more exclusive neighborhoods. Somewhere with a strong bnce between residential wealth and tourism. Upper East Side or Tribeca, maybe."


    Gray nodded again, still thoughtful.


    "Both locations make sense. But securing thend in either of these areas isn''t going to be easy, and even if we manage that, construction costs are going to be through the roof."


    I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "I know the risks, Gray, but the returns will be worth it."


    "There''s nothing like these boutique hotels on the market right now." I said with certainty. Don''t worry. I actually did check.


    "Not with the level of exclusivity and tailored experiences I have in mind. People will pay for that kind of service, and they''ll keeping back."


    Gray was silent, his eyes roving over the documents on the table. If only I had the ability to read minds or something.


    Finally, he looked up at me. "You''re right about the demand." He said. "But there are still potential problems we''ll need to address."


    Okay. I expected this.


    "First off, securing zoning permits, especially in ces like New York and Crownsborough. You know the sentiments on the streetstely."


    "The local governments are not exactly keen on new development projects, especially ones aimed at the rich and wealthy. That''s our biggest problem"


    I nodded. "I expected that. We''ll hire the best legal team to navigate the red tape. And with Cooper Real Estate''s reputation behind the project, I think we''ll have some leverage."


    Gray sighed, leaning forward and folding his hands on the table. "That''s true, but the other concern is marketing."


    "This can''t be your run of the mill hotel chain approach. You''re talking about exclusivity on a level that hasn''t been seen before."


    "We''ll need to create a brand identity that screams luxury, that makes people feel like they''re part of an elite club just by booking a stay."


    "Exactly." I said, excitement building in my voice. This guy gets it. "I want the hotels to be destinations in themselves."


    "People won''t just stay there because of the location. They''lle for the experience. High-end fine dining, private events, personal concierge services tailored to their every whim. We''ll make them feel like kings and they''lle right back to experience that feeling again."


    Gray thought about it before nodding, looking more convinced. "You''re creating a service that feeds their ego."


    "Exactly." I snapped my fingers. "Humans are simple at heart. They want to feel like they own the world. Give them that feeling and you''ve got yourself loyal customers."


    "Alright, but let''s talk numbers." Gray said, shifting the topic.


    "Even if we secure the locations and permits, and even if the branding is perfect, we''re still looking at a huge upfront investment. Where''s the moneying from?"


    I smiled, leaning back in my chair. "Leave that part to me. I''ll secure the funding."


    Gray raised an eyebrow and I could tell he didn''t believe me. We both knew I wasn''t wealthy enough to pull the money out of thin air.


    "Pardon me for asking but how exactly are you nning to do that?" He asked. "Even if Cooper Real Estate backs you, you''re talking about needing at least two hundred million to get this off the ground."


    "I''ve got a few options in y." I said like someone who actually had the cash well in hand. Fake it till you make it.


    "There are investors interested in high-end real estate projects like this. And if all goes ording to n, I''ll have Quinn Adams on board."


    Gray''s eyes narrowed. "Quinn Adams? The hospitality princess?"


    There''s no way he wouldn''t have heard of her. Especially since her family was influential in the real estate market.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes." I nodded. "She''s got the connections and the resources to make this happen."


    I didn''t borate. Let him take anything he wanted from my statement.


    Gray hummed, considering what I just said.


    "Okay. If you can get Quinn on board, that would change the game. Her name alone would bring a level of legitimacy to the project that money can''t buy."


    "I''ll bring her in, Gray." I said, standing up.


    "That''s why we need to be ready. I want a full n. Cost breakdowns, location studies, branding proposals, everything. Once I secure the money, we''ll hit the ground running."


    Gray stood as well, offering me a handshake.


    "Alright, Mr. Voss. I''ll have my team get started on the details."

 Chapter 27: We’re Finally Having Our Celebratory Drinks

    <h4>Chapter 27: We''re Finally Having Our Celebratory Drinks</h4>


    Have you ever had a day where all you wanted to do was have fun?


    If you haven''t, you must be a descendant of the Grinch.


    Anyways, today was that day for me.


    There I was, sitting on the couch at home with Matt, both of us mashing our controllers.


    We were both focused on the game ying out on the screen in front of us. If you had the screen we did, you would too.


    The game had been intense for the past hour, and Matt was trash talking me like he always did when he got ahead.


    "You''re not even close, bro." Mattughed, activating his nitro with a crazy stunt, leaving my car in the dust. "This is why you should stick to business and leave gaming to the experts."


    "Yeah, yeah." I muttered, trying to get my car back on track. "You got lucky."


    "Heh." he chuckled. "You wish. Your McLaren can''t save you now."


    "If only I wasn''t using this controller." I grinned.


    He said something in response but my attention was grabbed by my phone buzzing.


    Normally, I''d ignore it but why not be an ass when I''m already losing?


    I paused the game with a grin. "Wait a minute. I''ve got a text."


    "Come on." Matt groaned. "Face your defeat like a champ."


    I picked up the phone to see it was an email from the Pine Press Country Club.


    I paused, my heart rate picking up slightly. This was it. The moment I''d been waiting for since the interview.


    "You okay?" Matt asked, noticing my pause.


    I nodded but didn''t say anything as I opened the email, reading it.


    <i>Congrattions!</i>


    Congrattions? This had to be good news right?


    <i>We are pleased to inform you that your application for membership at Pine Press Country Club has been epted.</i>


    "Fuck yeah." I fist pumped before turning to Matt. "Guess who just became a member of the Pine Press Country Club."


    Matt blinked at me for a second before the realization hit. "No way! You got in?"


    I nodded, feeling the excitement bubble up inside me. "I''m in."


    "Hell yeah! Dude, that''s insane!" Matt cheered, tossing his controller on the couch.


    We had both expected me to get in but it''s not over till it''s over.


    "We need to celebrate." he stood with enthusiasm.


    "Exactly what I was thinking." I said, standing up with him and grabbing my jacket. "Let''s hit Cafe De La Paix. My treat."


    "If you say so." Matt grinned, already reaching for his jacket. "You know I can''t say no to tea at that ce."


    Within an hour, we were seated at a table in Cafe De La Paix.


    As always, we were surrounded by the same well dressed crowd that was always here.


    That didn''t matter though. Today, we were having celebratory drinks.


    "So, you''re officially in the club now." Matt sipped on his tea, grinning from ear to ear. "So, the n is a go?"


    "Fuck, yeah." I leaned back in my chair, enjoying the feeling of sess.


    Now that I was in, I can begin making my moves on Quinn. All I needed to do was rope one more person into the deal.


    If I get a loan and I ept Quinn''s money, I still won''t have enough. I needed someone to help with the remaining funds.


    That way, I can make sure the venture has enough to get off the ground even if I fail to seduce Quinn.


    I wouldn''t fail though. But it was better to n for failure than to fail without a n.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "This reminds me of those celebratory drinks with M we never got to take." Matt said.


    "Oh, that." Iughed, remembering the incident. The guy who wrecked my car was probably sober now. If he wasn''t, nothing on earth can save him.


    "At least, I scored a second date with Riley." Matt grinned.


    "Who?" I frowned.


    "M''s friend from that day." He exined. "We recently got together for a date. I''ve got a second date lined up. Hopefully it ends at my ce. Or hers." He shrugged.


    "That''s great, dude." I grinned, lifting my cup of coffee. "To sess."


    "To sess." We clinked cups and drank.


    "Nico?"


    I turned to see Noah standing near our table.


    "Noah, my man!" I greeted as he walked closer to us.


    I stood and we sped hands, bumping shoulders. "What are you doing here?" I asked beforeughing. "Stupid question. This is good timing. Come join us for a drink."


    "Don''t mind if I do." Noah said with a grin, pulling up a chair. "Congrats on getting in, Nico. Not that I ever had any doubt."


    Figures that he''d have heard about it.


    "Thanks, man." I grinned. "Appreciate the help."


    Noah waved off thepliment. "M did most of the work, but d to see it alle together."


    He turned to Matt, giving him a nod. "And you must be Matt. Nico''s told me about you."


    Matt grinned, extending his hand. "Guilty as charged. Nice to finally meet you."


    Noah shook his hand, then leaned back as the drinks arrived. He took a sip, ncing between Matt and me.


    "So, what''s next? Now that you''ve officially joined the club, how''s the project shaping up?"


    Of course, I''d told Noah about the project. I hadn''t mentioned anything rted to Quinn though.


    Hopefully, I can rope him in as the third partner.


    I smiled at his question, projecting confidence. "Gray''s working on the details. It''sing along quite nicely. I''ll show you the detailster."


    "Alright." Noah nodded.


    "Speaking of things moving along... how''s it going with M?" I asked. "Any progress there?"


    I needed someone to take M off the board. That way, I can chase after Quinn without any unresolved romantic attachments.


    All I had was five years or I would be wiped from existence. I needed to be able to seize every opportunity I can.


    "Not much, to be honest." Noah chuckled, but his smile didn''t reach his eyes. "I''ve been trying to figure out the right way to approach it, but she''s been pretty focused on her brandtely."


    Matt raised an eyebrow, not one to be left out. "You like M?"


    Noah nced at me before giving a small nod. "Yeah, for a while now. Just haven''t found the right time to make a move."


    I leaned forward slightly, offering a supportive grin.


    "Look, man, you''ve got nothing to lose by asking her out. She already trusts you, and you''ve known each other for longer than most. What''s the worst that could happen?"


    Noah sighed, running a hand through his hair.


    "Yeah, I know. It''s just...plicated, you know? I don''t want to screw things up between us."


    "I get it." I nodded, understanding his hesitation. "But sometimes you have to take a risk."


    Please take the risk for my sake.


    "Besides, if anyone''s got a shot, it''s you. M respects you, and you''re already in her circle. Just be yourself."


    Matt chimed in, smirking. "Nico''s right. Worst case, she says no, and you two stay friends. Best case? You get the girl."


    Noah chuckled again, this time more genuine. "You two make it sound so simple."


    "It is simple." I said. "You''ve just got to stop overthinking it. Make a n and go for it."


    Noah nodded at my words. "You know what? You might be right. Maybe I''ve been dragging my feet for no reason."


    Matt grinned, raising his cup. "There you go. Now let''s drink to Noah''s next big move."


    "Fuck yeah."

 Chapter 28: Welcome To The Clubhouse

    <h4>Chapter 28: Wee To The Clubhouse</h4>


    Today was my first official day as a member of Pine Press Country Club and I''ll tell you right now.


    I didn''t get enough sleep.


    I had spent the night tossing and turning on my bed in excitement.


    In fact, I''d never been this excited since I was sixteen when I lost my virginity.


    I was grinning from ear to ear as I pulled into the parking lot.


    I took a moment to nce around at the parade of luxury cars around me.


    Once again, my Senna was just another face in the crowd, but that was fine.


    Today wasn''t about showing off. It was about learning the dos and don''t of this new... world.


    Yes. The right word is world because the distance between rich and poor is so vast, it''s like they''re two worlds apart.


    I stepped out of the car, looking up to see Noah already waiting near the entrance.


    He was leaning casually against a stone pir. He greeted me as I approached with a grin and nonchnt wave.


    "Wee to your first day as a member of Pine Press." Noah said. "With M busy with her brand stuff, it falls to me to take you around and show you the ropes."


    I nodded, returning his grin. "Sounds good, man."


    "Let''s go." He said as he pped me on the shoulder


    We began walking towards the main building and this time I looked around, admiring the view.


    The grounds had the kind of garden that won''t look out of ce in a painting.


    I never did understand the hype around the Mona Lisa but if this was the painting, I would''ve apuded.


    In one word, it was perfection.


    Noah pointed at the first building we walked towards it.


    "This here is the main clubhouse. It''s where you''ll find the bar, restaurant, and a few private lounges."


    He leaned in like he wanted to give me advice, grinning conspiratorially.


    "It''s always good to keep a tab open here. You never know who you''ll bump into."


    He opened the door and we walked into the clubhouse.


    It was like entering into another world but that was probably the effect of the air conditioning.


    The ce was that perfect temperature in which it was not cold enough to feel like winter and not warm enough to be ufortable.


    A few of the club members sat at the bar, nursing drinks and talking quietly among themselves.


    Noah led me past them, nodding to a few familiar faces as we walked through.


    "You see that guy by the window?" Noah said, tilting his head subtly toward a man dressed in a navy suit.


    "That''s Philip Kane. He''s in the shipping industry. Owns half of the docks in Crownsborough. Good guy to know if you ever need anything moved."


    I nced over at Philip, who was deep in conversation with another member.


    I made a mental note of the name while appreciating the fact that it was Noah giving me this tour.


    He continued the tour, leading me through the private lounges and the restaurant.


    As we moved around, I couldn''t help but be impressed by the roster of wealthy people the club had.


    It somehow managed to feel like these were the people who controlled the gears of the city.


    The quiet powerhouses you didn''t hear about but who made the big moves behind the scenes.


    As we walked, Noah pointed out more familiar faces.


    "See that woman there, by the window? That''s Nancy Draconi. She''s beening here for years. Her family has ties to old New York banking money."


    I nodded, impressed by the amount of wealth gathered in one ce.


    These weren''t just sessful people. They were generational powerhouses.


    And this was the crowd I needed to integrate with.


    "Everyone here knows everyone else." Noah exined as we continued our tour.


    "It''s all about maintaining rtionships, being seen, and keeping things cordial."


    "But we have a few unspoken rules here."


    I perked up at that. I didn''t want to be the odd one out by breaking the rules just because I didn''t have anyone to tell me of them.


    That... will be the fastest way to get myself ostracized. And we definitely don''t want that.


    "The rules are not much." Noah spoke. " Just don''t talk shop too much unless you''re in a private lounge. And always pay attention to who''s around you. Conversations travel fast here."


    I nodded.


    We finally made our way out of the clubhouse and into the open air part of the club.


    The golf courses stretched into the distance but we didn''t move that way.


    Instead, we moved towards the... smaller courts.


    They had volleyball, basketball and many more courts including of course, tennis.


    We stood there, watching the few members that were already ying.


    Quinn wasn''t here yet.


    "These are the kind of ces where the realworking happens." Noah said, gesturing at the courts.


    "You''ll hear more business deals get done here than in any boardroom. People do let their guard down a little when they''re in the middle of a game."


    I chuckled, keeping that in mind. "So, you''re telling me that those casual matches are just another form of negotiation."


    "Pretty much." Noah grinned. "But some people take the game pretty seriously, so you''ll want to keep up."


    "It''s a good thing you like tennis because it''s a big deal here among real estate types like you."


    I raised a brow.


    "You win a few games, and suddenly people start inviting you to their private events. Lose? Well, you might have to work a little harder."


    We shared augh.


    The key here was not the match but how you portray yourself.


    You had to make yourself known withouting off as desperate.


    Easy to n, hard to pull off.


    We walked past the courts and circled back to a view of the golf course.


    "And there''s golf, the surest way of making connections regardless of industry. A round of golf can be the difference between a casual acquaintance and a business partner."


    We continued walking, passing by the private spa area and the heated swimming pools.


    Everything about the club had been specifically designed to make sure the elite had every possible thing they wanted at a moment''s notice.


    It was basically rich people heaven.


    By the time we got back to the main clubhouse, my head was buzzing and I can say that I now had a better sense of how things worked at Pine Press.


    "So, what do you think so far?" Noah asked as we stopped by one of the lounge entrances.


    I nced around, taking it all in. "It''s impressive. I think I''ll love it here."


    "That''s the spirit." He grinned.


    "Thanks for showing me around, Noah." I looked him in the eye. He was a pretty upstanding guy. "I appreciate it."


    "No problem." He said with a smile. "We''ve all been the new guy at some point."


    As we turned to look back at the courts, I had an idea.


    "How about we put some of that advice you gave me into practice?" I asked with a grin.


    He raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"


    I smirked, nodding toward the tennis courts. "A game of tennis."


    "You''re on."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 29: Who Doesn’t Want Bragging Rights?

    <h4>Chapter 29: Who Doesn''t Want Bragging Rights?</h4>


    Noah and I stepped onto the tennis court, the sun warm but not overbearing.


    It was a perfect day for a game.


    As you''ve probably already guessed, I''m here for one reason only.


    Quinn.


    Noah already said the activities were just to build connections. Since everybody already does it, there''s no need for me to even hide my intentions.


    But if Quinn didn''te today, then, she wasn''t into tennis as much as I''d thought she was.


    Noah and I stood on the court, already in our tennis gear. I swung my racquet, testing it as I studied the court.


    The white lines on it were freshly painted and the grass neatly trimmed.


    The court had an Aura that made it feel like we were ying in the Wimbledon or something.


    That was how luxurious it looked.


    I bounced the ball a few times, getting the feel of it in my hand as Noah took up his position on the other side of the, hispetitive grin already in ce on his face.


    "Ready to lose, Voss?" He called out, spinning his racket like he was warming up for a serious match.


    I grinned, bouncing the ball onest time before tossing it up. "We''ll see about that."


    I whacked the ball over the, giving it a spin.


    I hadn''t been busy during the time I''d spent waiting for my eptance into the club. I''d spent time studying and practicing tennis.


    I had to if I wanted to impress anybody.


    Fortunately for me, my opponent was also impressive.


    Noah ran to meet the ball, returning it to me with a hard volley.


    I had to sprint across the court and barely managed to get my racket on it.


    I sent it back, aiming for the far corner. Noah raced toward it, his footsteps pounding on the court but he couldn''t reach it in time.


    The ball bounced out of his reach and rolled to the fence.


    "One point to me." I said, smirking as I straightened up.


    Noahughed, shaking his head. "Okay, okay, you''ve got some moves."


    The match continued with both of us trading banter as we yed.


    I already knew Noah was good at the game, having yed him thest time I was here.


    He was fast on his feet and had great reflexes. Unfortunately for him, my body was a gift from the heavens.


    I definitely wasn''t about to let him win without a fight.


    As the game went on, I fell into the zone.


    For a moment, I forgot about everything that hung over me.


    Quinn, the country club, my ns and my deadline.


    It was just me and Noah ying tennis.


    By the time the match was getting to the end, we were both breathing hard and grinning like kids.


    I managed to hit a fast serve, catching Noah off guard. He stumbled and wasn''t able to get to the ball on time.


    "Alright, alright!" Heughed, holding his hands up in defeat. "I give up. You win this one, man."


    I walked up to the, extending my hand. "Good game, though."


    He shook my hand, still chuckling. "Yeah, yeah, I''ll get you next time."


    As we were catching our breath and grabbing water bottles from the bench, I looked up to see them.


    Two women walking to the court next to us. They were dressed in their tennis gear which managed to leave very little to the imagination.


    It was Quinn and her friend Charlotte who had been ying with her thest time I was here.


    "Looks like we''ve gotpany." I said casually to Noah, nodding toward them.


    They had gotten to their court and were now in the process of setting up for their own match.


    Noah nced over and raised an eyebrow. "Quinn Adams."


    I smirked, pulling out the idea I''d prepared for this exact situation.


    "How about we make this a bit more interesting?" I asked noah. "How about a doubles match."


    He chuckled as he wiped the sweat off his face with his towel. "You think they''ll go for it?"


    I shrugged, keeping my eyes on Quinn. "Only one way to find out."


    I stood up and walked over to the edge of their court, catching Quinn''s attention with a wave.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She looked up at me, her expression curious as she paused her conversation with Charlotte.


    "Hi." I called with a friendly smile, gesturing back at Noah. "We were thinking of ying a doubles match. You two up for it?"


    Quinn nced at Charlotte who raised an eyebrow and judging by the look on her face, I could tell that she wasn''t against the idea.


    Then Quinn turned back to me smiling. "You want to y against us?"


    Interest. I could work with that.


    I grinned at her, shrugging. "Why not? It''ll be fun."


    Charlotte looked between Noah and I, sizing us up. "What''s in it for us?" She asked yfully.


    I could feel Noah watching us in amusement as I leaned on the fence.


    "Bragging rights." I said, matching Quinn''s energy. "Plus, it''s not every day you get to facepetition this good."


    That earned me augh from both women and Quinn shook her head, ncing at Charlotte. "Alright, why not? But don''t say we didn''t warn you."


    I grinned as I jogged back over to Noah. "We''re on. It''s me and Quinn versus you and Charlotte."


    Noah raised an eyebrow at that. I could tell that he was surprised by how quickly they had agreed.


    "Impressive. I guess your charm works on everyone, huh?"


    "What can I say?" I shrugged, grinning. "I''m just exceptional like that."


    Before long, the four of us were taking our positions on the court.


    We started the game and from the get go, it was clear that both women were not ordinary amateurs at tennis.


    They yed with the kind of experience and coordination that one would find in professional matches.


    But Noah and I weren''t slouches either. We were able to keep up with our partners.


    Before long, the match turned into a back and forth battle.


    I found myself working in sync with Quinn. Every now and then, she would sh me a grin or a quick nce as if enjoying the game as much as I was.


    Very soon, we began tough and banter. It wasn''t about winning again and was more about having fun.


    And that''s exactly what I needed. An easy, light hearted atmosphere to build a rtionship between us all andy the groundwork for what wouldeter.


    The game finally ended with Quinn and I winning by a narrow margin.


    I held up my hands in mock victory, grinning at Noah. "Looks like we''ve got bragging rights."


    Noahughed, shaking his head. "I''ll give you that. But next time, I''m picking a different partner."


    Charlotte rolled her eyes, yful sarcasm in her tone. "Yeah, me the partner. ssic move."


    After the match, we gathered by the benches, catching our breath and cooling off.


    I turned to Quinn, offering a hand. "That was fun. I''m Nico, by the way."


    She smiled, shaking my hand. "Quinn."

 Chapter 30: How To Catch A Fish

    <h4>Chapter 30: How To Catch A Fish</h4>


    Have you ever had a coincidence so perfect that you wonder if someone had nned it?


    Well, I don''t know if someone nned yours. But the coincidence that is currently about to happen? I definitely nned it.


    Three days after the match, there I was, seated at a corner table in the clubhouse as I sipped on my cup of coffee.


    I had my notes on the boutique hotel venture in front of me and I flipped through them.


    The morning sun hit me at such an angle that I''m sure I now looked like amercial for something.


    The perks of being handsome.


    Some of the members around me were conversing among themselves while others were like me, content with just a book or the morning paper.


    The game I''d had with Quinn, Charlotte, and Noah three days ago had gone better than I had expected.


    It gave me a glimpse into the kind of dynamic I could build with Quinn.


    And today, I was hoping to push that a little further.


    Little drops of water make a mighty ocean and all that.


    As if on cue, Quinn approached my table. She had a tennis bag slung over her shoulder and I could tell she was justing for a morning match.


    For a moment, I wondered if the rich camped here because they''re so bored and had nothing else to do.


    Who ys tennis as a warm up on a Monday morning? The rich, apparently.


    She stood in front of me with a smile, her forehead glowing with a light sheen of sweat.


    "Mind if I join you?" She asked, gesturing to the chair across from me.


    I waved my hand in a friendly gesture. "Be my guest."


    Quinn sat down, cing her tennis bag beside her and grabbed a napkin from the table to dab at her forehead.


    I hadn''t just picked this table at random. This table was close to where she usually had her morning coffee.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After I''d heard that Charlotte doesn''te on Mondays, I''d decided to seize this opportunity.


    I''d bet on the chance that she would want to have coffee with a familiar face and I was right.


    "We had a good game on Friday, didn''t we?" She asked with a grin, taking a sip of her coffee. "I have to say, you do have some nice moves."


    I chuckled, setting my cup down. "I try. But I think we both know you carried me through most of that game."


    She raised an eyebrow, smiling wider. ttery would indeed get you anywhere.


    "Is that your way of giving me credit without admitting you were outyed?" She teased.


    I leaned back, smirking. "I''m giving credit where it''s due. I wouldn''t have won without your help."


    Quinnughed lightly, the sound catching the attention of a few nearby members but she didn''t seem to notice.


    "Well, I''m always up for another match. Maybe next time, I''ll take it easy on you."


    "Maybe next time." I said, not wanting to appear too eager. "I''ll bring my A-game."


    Quinn tilted her head, studying me for a second, then shook her head in mock sympathy. "You can try but I don''t think that''ll change the oue."


    I couldn''t help butugh at her words.


    There was something about Quinn. She had a sense of confidence that wasn''t overbearing but still felt like a challenge.


    The kind of challenge I was all too happy to engage in.


    "So," I said, changing the subject slightly, "you and Charlotte seem like you''ve been ying tennis together for a while. Is that your usual routine?"


    Quinn nodded, wiping her hands and taking a sip of her coffee.


    "Yeah, we''ve been ying for years. Mostly here at the club. She''s a good friend and keeps me on my toes. We''ve been ying since we were teenagers, so it''s a bit of a tradition now."


    I smiled, leaning forward. "Must be nice to have that kind of connection with someone. I''m still getting used to the ce and figuring out where I fit in."


    Quinn looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged.


    "You''re doing fine so far. You''ve already got Noah in your corner and trust me, that counts for a lot."


    "Yeah. I''ll definitely be lost without Noah."


    That was a lie but who cares?


    She opened her mouth to say something but before she could, a familiar voice called out.


    "Nico Voss! There you are."


    Just in time.


    I turned to see Michael Lincoln, my attorney, striding toward our table with a wide grin.


    He was dressed as usual in his perfectly tailored suit.


    He had an air of confidence that matched the surroundings.


    He extended his hand as he reached me and I stood up to greet him.


    "Michael." I said, shaking his hand firmly. "Didn''t expect to see you here."


    Also a lie. I definitely did expect to see him here. I just didn''t know if he''ll approach me.


    I could see some people around ncing at us.


    I was killing two birds with one stone. Establishing my credibility in the eyes of the people at Pine Press and showing Quinn that I also had connections.


    "I was just finishing up a meeting with a client." He said, gesturing toward one of the private rooms in the back of the clubhouse.


    "But I wanted to stop by and congratte you. I heard the good news. You''re officially a member of Pine Press now."


    "Thanks." I said, smiling. "I owe a lot of that to you."


    Michael waved his hand dismissively. "That''s a lie and we both know it."


    We both shared augh.


    He then nced at Quinn, who had been watching our interaction in curiosity.


    I quickly made the introductions.


    "Michael, this is Quinn Adams. Quinn, this is Michael Lincoln, my attorney."


    Michael nodded politely at Quinn, who offered a smile in return.


    "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Adams." Michael said. "I can confidently say you''re in goodpany."


    Quinn raised an eyebrow, ncing between us. "I''ve heard of you, Mr. Lincoln." She said. "I didn''t know you were Nico''s attorney."


    Michael chuckled, pping me on the back.


    "We''ve been working together for a while now. But I''ll leave you two to your conversation. Good seeing you, Nico. Let''s catch up soon."


    I nodded, and with that, Michael strode off, leaving Quinn and I alone once again.


    Quinn watched me with an amused smile.


    "First things first." She leaned forward. "Nico Voss? When were you going to tell me you''re rted to the Voss family?"


    And that, is how you catch a fish.

 Chapter 31: I’ll Rope You In Today If I Could

    <h4>Chapter 31: I''ll Rope You In Today If I Could</h4>


    "Well," I shrugged with a grin, "you never asked."


    It''ll be the height of stupidity to want to downy my connections to the Voss family to Quinn.


    First, the Voss name does carry some weight.


    Second, she''ll find out one day and that day might be tomorrow or next year. I don''t want to set myself up for failure by lying to her.


    Besides, my sister Jenny would show up one day and try to get between Quinn and I. There''ll be no denying it then.


    "A man of mysteries." Quinn said with a smile.


    "That''s me." I said with a sheepish smile.


    "So, how exactly do you know Michael Lincoln?" She asked, leaning an elbow on the table and fitting her chin on her palm.


    I smiled, taking a sip of my coffee before answering. She smiled back at me, her eyes telling me she knew exactly what I was doing.


    "Michael is my attorney. He always helps me with a lot of things. You know, contracts, investments, that sort of thing."


    "Hmmn." Quinn nodded into her palm, her eyes lighting up with interest. "So, what''s he helping you with now?"


    "Let''s see." I paused theatrically, trying to figure out how to y this.


    If there''s anything I''d learnt about Quinn, it was that she was smart. She''d know if I''m trying to pull her into something and that''s why I had to y my cards carefully.


    I''d act the part of a businessman who took pride in what it did. It didn''t even have to be an act. After all, I really did take pride in what I do.


    I''d create ns that brought me into Pine Press andted me seventy million dors. Not everyone could do that.


    I smiled at Quinn as I spoke. "Right now, Michael''s helping me with a real estate venture I''m working on."


    "It''s still in the early stages, but I''m nning to build a series of luxury boutique hotels. The project''s pretty ambitious, but with the right backing, it''s going to be huge."


    Quinn nodded at my words, impressed. "Luxury boutique hotels? That''s actually a big deal. Where are you nning to build?"


    It''s a good thing I''d already started nning or else I wouldn''t have anything to say.


    My notes from the project were in front of me but I won''t be showing her. It might be considered a break of the unwritten rule.


    Don''t talk shop unless in private.


    "We''re starting with Crownsborough and New York, actually." I said, leaning forward. I smiled, disying enthusiasm. "Depending on how things go, we''ll be expanding next to Europe and Asia."


    "Wow." Quinn nodded, my enthusiasm infecting her. "That''s ambitious. But if anyone can pull it off, it''s someone with Lincoln in their corner."


    Iughed self-deprecatingly at her praise. "Thanks, Quinn."


    "You know I''m right." She said, smiling at me. "From your work ethic, I can say you''re up to the task."


    "Yeah." I nodded, keeping the smile on my face. It''s a lot of work, but I''m excited about it."


    Then, I met her eyes. "Who knows? Maybe I''ll need some input from someone who knows the hospitality industry inside and out."


    Quinnughed, shaking her head. "Are you trying to rope me into this already?"


    If only she knew how much I wanted to rope her into this. I''d even rope her in now if I could.


    Instead of saying all that, I grinned. "Just nting the seed."


    She rolled her eyes yfully but didn''t dismiss the idea entirely. "We''ll see about that, Nico."


    Perfect. I''d found a way to clearly dere my intent while still making it sound yful.


    Whatever happens, I know I''ve nted the idea in her head.


    After that, the conversation drifted. We eventually returned to lighter topics, talking about tennis, the club and the people who frequented the ce.


    However, the groundwork had beenid.


    A Boss in charge of a venture in which Michael Lincoln was somehow involved in? It was bound to seed.


    My one and only prayer is that Jenny shouldn''te and spoil things.


    Unfortunately, we don''t always get what we want.


    [][][][][]


    I walked into Cafe De La Paix, heading to our usual table.


    Matt was already there waiting for me.


    "Hey dude." I greeted him as I slid into the seat opposite him.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He yawned back in greeting before sipping a cup of... coffee?!


    "Dude. You didn''t get much sleep?" I could see the bags under his eyes.


    "Unlike you, some of us have to stay up and burn the midnight oil to finish college." He chuckled. "If only to save my life."


    I chuckled with him. He wasn''t wrong. His mum would kill him if he didn''t finish.


    Now, this made me feel guilty for asking him to help me with this ce. While I''d been working Quinn at Pine Press, he''d been here helping me out.


    "You should''ve declined staying here if it would eat into your studying time. I don''t want your mum to kill me along with you when you flunk out."


    "Nah." He grinned. "My mom practically adores you. You''re the second son she never had."


    I grinned. He wasn''t wrong either.


    "Besides, I get to take Riley here on a date. Totally worth it."


    We bothughed.


    He yawned again before continuing. "So, I can confirm that you''ll have a chance of meeting Quinn if youe here regrly."


    "Really?" I asked, eyes widening slightly.


    "Yeah." Matt nodded. "This is premium information and it wasn''t easy to get from Riley. I think she''s even suspecting me of being interested in Quinn''s friend, Charlotte. You owe me one, bro."


    "Definitely." I nodded.


    "Charlottees in around noon every weekday and sometimes, she brings Quinn with her. That, my friend, is your window."


    Riley and M were regr customers of this cafe and that meant they also knew the schedule of other regr customers.


    Why waste time scrambling for info when I can get it from a more direct source?


    I nodded. "Thanks, man."


    It was a good thing I chose this cafe in the first ce. This would be my chance to build a rapport with her outside Pine Press and shift my image from club buddies to something more.


    And trust me. When that opportunityes, I won''t let it go.

 Chapter 32: Jenny Voss

    <h4>Chapter 32: Jenny Voss</h4>


    The private jet roared as it touched down on the runway of the private airport.


    The captain was so skillful that the VIP on board the ne didn''t feel too much difort as they arrived and that was exactly what he was being paid for.


    Jenny Voss pulled off the sleeping mask over her eyes and blinked, yawning. They had finally arrived at Crownsborough.


    She''d been gone from the beautiful city for a few months but now she was back. She had a score to settle.


    The jet slowed and gradually taxied to a stop.


    To those in the know, the aircraft was recognized as a Voss jet by the insignia on the tail but to an ordinary person, it was just another jet.


    Jenny checked her phone to see she had a few messages from friends. Word had gone out that she would being to the city.


    She smiled on seeing the message from her friend, Quinn. She shot a reply before standing, admiring herself.


    She''d worn a white t-shirt tucked into a form hugging blue jeans. Worn over the t-shirt was a blue denim jacket that matched her jeans. Topping everything off were her stylish high heels.


    She took off the sunsses on her forehead and wore it, tying her purple hair into a ponytail.


    The steps of the jet were lowered and the door opened. It was time to leave.


    She walked out, paying no attention to her luggage. The crew would make sure they were all taken to the ces they should be.


    Waiting for her at the bottom was her chauffeur. The man was dressed smartly as befitting a staff of the Voss family.


    "Wee back, Miss Voss." He greeted her with a respectful bow. He then stepped back and opened the door to the Rolls Royce as was his job.


    She stepped into the vehicle, setting her handbag down beside her.


    The chauffeur closed the door and slipped into the driver''s seat.


    "Take me to the docks." She instructed him.


    "Yes, Miss Voss." He said and began driving. There was no need for her to borate. There were different docks in Crownsborough but only one she always used to get to her destination.


    Emerald Isle.


    She could''ve taken a helicopter but her mother had taken away her helicopter privileges. All because she''d partied a bit too hard.


    She scoffed. Why couldn''t her mother understand that she''d never be the prim and proper woman she wanted her to be.


    She already had a perfect daughter. Why was she still trying to change her?


    But that didn''t matter. She wasn''t that young girl who was always after her mother''s approval anymore.


    Instead, she was the young woman who protected what was hers. And Nico had strayed into her territory.


    She still had a few things to do in New York but had suspended them toe here. She had to. After all, Nico had done unthinkable.


    He had gone to her precious ind without her permission and to add insult to injury, he had taken M Devon with him. What would people think about the exclusivity of her ind if just anybody could waltz in.


    This was all her sister''s fault. She hadn''t been satisfied with taking what should''ve been shared between them but had irritated her with everything she did, including bringing Nico to the indst year, knowing fully well that she didn''t like him.


    At the time, their eldest sister had called the Voss children together for a meeting. She''d volunteered her ind for it and it had been epted.


    Of course, Nico hadn''t been invited. No one really recognized him as a member of the family.


    Their father had been the one to set the example, banishing his only natural born child from his kingdom.


    None of them knew why but no one questioned it. That was the way things had always been.


    Her sister had shown up to the meeting, bringing Nico along with her. Nico hade, thinking he was finally being epted but as he''d learnt that day, he would never be epted.


    After all, he was a threat. A threat to the shared ambitions of her sisters to have their father''s wealth for themselves.


    But now, Nico has grown balls. He hade back to Emerald Isle on his own even while knowing he wasn''t wanted. It was up to her to put him back where he belonged.


    She finally arrived at the dock and her chauffeur came down to open the door for her.


    She grabbed her handbag and stepped out. Sitting at the dock was her yacht. The crew was already waiting for her.


    "Wee, Miss Voss." The captain greeted her. She nodded at the man before walking into her cabin.


    It didn''t take too long for the yacht to arrive at Emerald isle. She stepped onto the dock to see her staff already waiting, lined up in a straight row.


    "Wee, Miss Voss." They said in unison, bowing slightly in greeting. The staff didn''t stay at the ind but had been brought in for her short stay.


    She''d be here for only a night. After that, she''d head back to her apartment on the maind.


    She barely nced at the staff, turning to her security personnels who were also waiting on her word.


    "You''re fired." She said, pointing at her head of security. The man blinked in surprise, having not expected that. "You." She pointed at his second inmand. "you''re the new head of security. Come with me."


    "Yes, ma''am." He saluted smartly. She walked to the golf cart and the man took the wheel, driving her up to the mansion.


    The moment she stepped into the house, she went upstairs to her private suite and pulled off her clothes. She had a shower and changed before going downstairs to where the new head of security stood, still waiting.


    "Do you know why I fired your boss?" She asked him.


    "Yes, ma''am." He said. "He allowed in guests not approved by you."


    "Exactly." Jenny nodded. "No one is allowed here without my permission. Understood?"


    "Yes, ma''am."


    "Good." She nodded. "Now, I want you to find out what my dearest brother has been up totely. I want to know why he was here and what he is nning on doing. Make it quick."


    "Yes, ma''am." He saluted. "I''ll have it for you within twenty four hours."


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Good." She dismissed him.


    Nico had to be up to something. Why else would he bring someone like M Devon to her ind.


    Seems like he has stopped isting himself. Now, she had to show him that there were lines that were not meant to be crossed.

 Chapter 33: Wait, What?

    <h4>Chapter 33: Wait, What?</h4>


    Jenna hummedzily as she woke up, enjoying the cool sheets beneath her.


    She burrowed deeper under her nket as the light of the morning sun filtered in through her window.


    After a few minutes ofying on the bed with her eyes closed, she finally yawned, stretching on the bed.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She sat up, rubbing at her eyes as she opened them. She took a moment to look around her room with a smile.


    She didn''te here often but it was her favorite ce. Her home away from home.


    A ce that belonged to her and her alone where she could let her hair down and enjoy herself without society or her mother breathing down her neck.


    That was one of the reasons why she couldn''t ignore Nicoing and bringing a stranger with him. He''d soiled the... purity of her personal space.


    Ever since she''d gotten the ind as a gift from her step dad, Logan Voss, she''d always cherished the ce. One other reason was because her mother and her sister were nowhere near.


    Her mother loved her business in New York too much to leave it and her sister was the same, following in the footsteps of their mother.


    There was also the fact that the ind gifted to her sister was on the other side of Antarctica. She had no reason toe all the way down to Crownsborough.


    Jenna looked out her window at the view of the docks and the sea beyond. She smiled, admiring it before sliding out of bed.


    She went through her morning routine which started with a quick shower.


    The shower was followed by a skincare routine that was equal to anything one could get at a high end spa. That was what it meant to be wealthy. Having the world at her convenience.


    After that, she wore her outfit for the day, a crop top and trousers. There was no one here to tell her what she can and can''t wear.


    She checked herself out in the mirror, posing with a big smile. She looked ready for business.


    She made her way downstairs to the kitchen where a steaming cup of coffee was already waiting for her.


    Her staff had no idea when she''d show up but they kept a hot cup waiting. If it got even a bit lukewarm, they had it reced in an instant.


    She took a seat at the counter and grabbed the cup, taking a sip of it. She savoured the cup, humming to herself thetest hit song by her favorite musician.


    Her phone dinged, the screen lighting up with a message. She picked it up to see it was from Quinn.


    She clicked open the message.


    <i>Hey gurrl! We still on for Cafe Del La Paix today?</i>


    Jenny smiled at the message before typing up a reply.


    <i>Noon, right?</i>


    A few secondster, her phone dinged.


    <i>Of course. You know how much Charlotte adores her afternoon coffee.</i>


    Jenny chuckled, remembering Charlotte without her noon coffee. She was always cranky and was never a joy to be around.


    The three of them always joked that if one cut Charlotte open, they''d find coffee instead of blood.


    Jenny replied to the message.


    <i>Perfect. I''ll see you there.</i>


    She continued her humming. A bright morning and an uing meeting with Quinn and Charlotte? The day was looking up.


    "Ma''am." Her head of security saluted smartly in front of her.


    "Oh, you." She said. "This better be good news."


    "It''s the report, ma''am." The man said before handing her a thin file.


    She collected the file and began flipping through it. "Give me the highlights." She told the man without looking up.


    "Yes, ma''am." He replied. "As instructed, we''vepiled thetest information on Mr. Nico Voss."


    Her eyes ghosted over the opening report, barely suppressing her scoff as she saw that Nico was still living at the mansion funded by their father''s money.


    Of course, he still hadn''t cut off his financial umbilical cord.


    At this point, the only people who still depended on their father for money were him and their youngest sister.


    "We.also found out that Mr. Voss now drives a new McLaren Senna which he used in a race against Miss Devon. The clips can be found online." The man said.


    Jenna smirked at his words. Wait till their father heard that the son he wanted to hide from the world was racing influencers.


    The story will definitely get to him one day. But she won''t be the one to tell him. She was a lot of things but never a snitch.


    At least, she could tell that Nico was finally breaking out of his reclusive shell. The question was why.


    She turned the page of the report in her hand and blinked at what she saw. Her head of security''s next words confirmed it.


    "Recently, Mr. Voss acquired a real estate investment firm called Cooper Real Estate. The firm is said to be valued at approximately seventy million dors."


    Jenny''s hand paused in the middle of turning the page, her head snapping up. "You said what?" She blinked. "Seventy million dors?"


    "Yes, Miss Voss. The acquisition was handled quietly but our contacts confirmed the transfer of ownership. He holds the majority share."


    Jenny''s eyes widened at his words, genuine shock flickering across her face.


    "Where did he get that kind of money?" She murmured to herself.


    As far as anyone knew, Nico''s only assetse from whatever scraps their father tosses him. And their father never tosses anything out. Well, except Nico.


    The head of security hesitated before answering. "We... don''t actually know, ma''am. We''re still investigating him."


    Jenny nodded absentmindedly. She was still puzzling out the information she just heard.


    For Nico to acquire a form like Cooper Real Estate, either he had borrowed against some new coteral or he was into something... unsavoury.


    Wherever he had gotten the money, she knew what he was doing. He was quietly ying the game and breaking out of the cage he had been ced in.


    Unfortunately for him, he had made a mistake that had brought her attention to him.


    She allowed a hint of a smile to cross her face as sheposed herself.


    "Anything else?" She asked.


    "Yes, ma''am." The man answered. "Mr. Voss has also recently gained membership at the Pine Press Country Club."


    After hearing the previous information, this one didn''t surprise her as much.


    But she still couldn''t help but wonder if the club has somehow lowered it''s standards.


    Pine Press was known for one thing. Exclusivity. That had been the reason why she''d enjoyed her membership at the club.


    But now that she knew she''d be sharing that exclusivity with Nico, she couldn''t help but wonder what the board were thinking.


    She shut the file, cing it on the countertop.


    It seems like her timid step brother was no more. Instead, there was now a man making real moves in the background.


    She straightened, looking up at her head of security. "Find out everything you can about his acquisition of Cooper Real Estate. I want to know where he got the funds and who he''s been meeting with."


    "Yes, ma''am."


    Jenny turned back to her coffee as the man left the room, one eyes on the folder beside her.


    Someone has to show Nico that those with wings made of wax shouldn''t be so quick to fly into the sun.


    She now knew her next destination after her time at the Cafe De La Paix.

 Chapter 34: Small World, Huh?

    <h4>Chapter 34: Small World, Huh?</h4>


    I strolled down the street, whistling as I walked towards Cafe De La Paix.


    The sun was shining overhead, making sure that anybody who didn''t have a watch knew that it was noon.


    I grinned, taking in the sights. Ever since I''d gotten the Senna, I hadn''t actually walked anywhere and that was a bad habit to get into.


    When else would I have the time to enjoy the sights in the city if I was constantly zooming past them?


    I couldn''t help but grin at myself. This was also one of the privileges of being so rich, you didn''t actually have to do any work. I had too much free time on my hands.


    Hopefully, I''ll be able to use the cashback system to build something big. And when that timees, I''ll be constantly at war.


    I had seven opponents to get past before I could even get close to my father.


    I had a long way to go but I didn''t let that fact bring me down. I was in such a good mood that I was almost breaking out into song in the middle of the street.


    There was just something about the day that felt like things would all be going my way.


    My n right now was a win-win situation. Whatever happened, I know I''d be able to establish contact outside Pine Press. And that was the main thing.


    Best case scenario, I''m able to spin things into a spontaneous date.


    As I got closer to the cafe, I dipped my hand into my pocket, brought out my phone and dialed Matt''s number. It was time to start the countdown.


    I stood there in the middle of the street, humming to myself. The phone rang for a few seconds before Matt picked it.


    "Hey, you all set?" I asked, ncing around to make sure no one was listening in.


    "Yep, I''m nearby." Matt said. I could hear music in the background. "Just waiting for your call."


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Perfect." I grinned. "If you don''t hear from me in ten, give me that cancetion call we talked about. If things don''t actually get to that stage, I''ll text you. You know what to do if ites to that."


    "Of course." Matt chuckled. "But it won''te to that. Just sh those pearly whites of yours and she''s bound to melt. Ladies can''t resist that ugly mug you call a face. Only God knows why."


    Iughed along with him and he ended the call with "good luck bro", the line going dead before I could reply that I didn''t need it."


    I ced my phone back into my pocket with a grin. ssic Matt.


    I resumed my walk, my confidence showing in my stride. My n was a simple one. All I needed was the right timing and maybe a tiny lick ofdy luck.


    If everything goes ording to n, Quinn and I will be in the midst of conversation when Matt''s cancetion calles in.


    The call would be the perfect excuse to free up my afternoon and who knows where we would go from there?


    On the other hand, if Quinn had business at the cafe that wouldn''t allow us to get into any long conversations, I''d fire Matt a text.


    Matt woulde as the friend I''m waiting for, making sure that Quinn could see that I actually had business in the cafe and our meeting was indeed a coincidence.


    I did have a talent for creating coincidences.


    I finally got to the cafe, walking in and selecting a seat near the entrance. A seat that would make sure that anyone entering the cafe would be able to see me clearly.


    There''s no way Quinn and Charlotte would be able to miss my presence. Even if they joined me, my biggest obstacle was Charlotte.


    I can only hope she was one of those friends who loved it when their friend went off with a guy just so they could tease them about itter.


    The waiter came and took my order, bringing me my coffee. I sipped and checked my watch. It was just a few minutes past noon.


    As if on cue, the door opened and Charlotte entered with Quinn right behind her. Both women were dressed stylishly as the heirs that they were.


    It was Charlotte who noticed me first. I saw her nudge Quinn in the corner of my eyes before pointing towards me.


    Then, both women walked over. I nced up to look at them, acting like I was surprised to see them.


    "Hey, Nico!" Charlotte greeted me with a smile.


    "Nico." Quinn said, also smiling. "Didn''t expect to see you here. What brings you?"


    "I''m just meeting up with a friend." I said, standing up to give them the sideways hug with a smile. "How about you two?"


    "We too." Quinn grinned. "We''re also meeting a friend as well. Small world, huh?"


    I smiled before suggesting yfully, looking between both women. "Well, if we''re all waiting on friends, how about waiting together?"


    "Why not?" Charlotte said, taking a seat. We all satfortably around the table and before long, the conversation was flowing.


    "So, how''s that boutique hotel projecting along?" Quinn asked curiously.


    Charlotte''s eyebrows rose, looking between the both of us. "Boutique hotel? I haven''t heard about this. What''s the story?"


    Quinn turned to her friend, exining to her. You''ll think she was the one in charge of the project.


    "Nico''s nning a luxury boutique hotel right here in Crownsborough. It''s going to be the kind of ce everyone''s talking about, from what I hear."


    I leaned forward slightly, drawing the attention of both women. I mentally put on my pitching coat, using the enthusiasm I had disyed to Quinn once before.


    "The project is still in the nning stages but we know exactly where we''re going with it. We''d build a brand, a ce, that is exclusive without being pretentious. Think of it as a retreat but right inside the city."


    "Oh." Charlotte nodded along, interested. "What makes your hotel different from, say, the other luxury hotels here? Why should I choose your establishment?"


    I mentally thanked her for asking that question. I get to pitch my idea to Quinn without actually pitching my idea to her.


    "Simple. The idea is to blend intimacy with luxury." I nced between the two women to see that they were listening attentively.


    "So instead of a massive high rise, it''ll be a smaller, more personal setting. It''s like finding an oasis that only a select few know about."


    "We''re not looking to attract the general public. Instead, we''ll cater to those looking for something a bit more tailored to their tastes and have the money to make their wishese true."


    "Wow." Charlotte nodded, impressed. "I think that could really take off. There''s definitely a demand for that kind of experience. I personally will pay for that."


    I grinned. "Thank-"


    Before I could finish my sentence, we were interrupted by a loud voice.


    "Quinn! Charlotte!"


    My head snapped up to see the person I least expected would be in the city.


    My fifth step sister, Jenna Voss.


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