“Cole, step into my office.”The voice came sharp, clipped, and without a trace of respect. Mr. Harlan didn’t even bother to look up from his desk when Cole Walker entered.Cole straightened his cheap tie, heart thumping. He already knew what was coming.“Sit down,” Harlan muttered, finally glancing up. “Actually, don’t. This won’t take long.”Cole swallowed. “Sir, if this is about the reports.”“Reports?” Harlan barked out a laugh. “Walker, your numbers are pathetic. You’re pathetic. You’re the weakest sales rep in this entire firm. Do you think this company can afford dead weight like you?”Cole clenched his fists. “I’ve been loyal to this company for six years. You know how much I’ve put in.”Harlan leaned back, smirking. “Six years of mediocrity. Six years of excuses. And now, six years too many.”Cole’s chest tightened. “Please, Mr. Harlan, I just need more time.”“Save it,” Harlan snapped, cutting him off. “You’re fired. Effective immediately.”The words hit like a hammer. Fired

The night air was cool against Cole Walker’s face as he stepped out of the gala. The sound of applause and gasps still echoed in his ears. He had humiliated Derek Stone in front of half of Dallas’s elite, and it felt good.Ding. The glowing blue panel appeared again, crisp against the darkness.[Reward Granted: Ownership of Dallas Highland Villa][Value: $50,000,000][Keys and documents transferred to Host]Cole’s phone buzzed. An email notification blinked at the top of his screen. He tapped it open.Congratulations, Mr. Walker. Ownership papers have been signed electronically. Your villa awaits at Highland Park. Security staff and personal chauffeurs are on standby.Cole stared at the words, his breath caught between disbelief and exhilaration. He had gone from “worthless” to villa-owner in less than twenty-four hours.A black limousine rolled to a stop before him. The driver stepped out, bowing slightly. “Mr. Walker, your car.”Cole raised an eyebrow. “My car?”“Yes, sir. Courtesy

The Highland villa pulsed with energy. Tailors, stylists, and jewelers moved in and out all day, adjusting fabrics, polishing accessories, confirming details.Cole Walker sat like a king in his study as his tuxedo was adjusted, his expression unreadable. The banquet was only one day away. Every second mattered.Ding. The System’s blue interface unfolded before him.[Banquet Countdown: 24 Hours][Status: High-Risk Event][Potential Rewards: Fleet of Luxury Cars, $2 Billion Boost, “Corporate Predator” Title, Global Reputation Increase][Warning: Failure will result in severe penalties]Cole raised an eyebrow. “Penalties?”The screen pulsed. [Penalty: Loss of all current assets]Cole’s jaw tightened. “So it’s win or die, huh?”[Ding. New Tool Unlocked: Prestige Aura][Effect: Host’s presence commands respect and submission. Duration: 3 hours. Recharge: 7 days]Cole’s lips curved into a dangerous smile. “Perfect. Just what I need for my entrance.”Across town, Vanessa sat in front of a mi

The laughter still echoed through the banquet hall. Vanessa lay collapsed on the marble floor, her tears soaking into her gown, her humiliation complete. But the room’s attention shifted.All eyes turned toward Derek Stone. The man who had stolen Vanessa. The man who had mocked Cole, flaunted his wealth, and treated him like dirt.Derek’s face burned crimson. His fists clenched, the veins in his neck bulging as he pushed through the crowd toward Cole.“You bastard!” Derek roared, his voice cracking through the music and chatter. “You think you can humiliate her, humiliate me, and get away with it?”The room hushed. Guests leaned in, hungry for the confrontation. Cole didn’t flinch. He sipped his champagne with deliberate calm, eyes cold as steel. “Derek,” he said softly, “you’ve already humiliated yourself. I’m just giving everyone the front-row seat.”Gasps and chuckles rippled across the room. Derek’s jaw tightened. “You’re nothing but a fraud, Walker. You show up with a few rented

The banquet was ending, but the storm was far from over. Guests filed out of the glittering hall with one thought on their lips. Cole Walker had humiliated Vanessa, Derek, and now Jonathan Harlan. Cole stood by the balcony, overlooking the Dallas skyline, calm as stone. Yet behind him, he could feel it, Harlan’s gaze, sharp and calculating. The old man hadn’t lost yet.Two hours later, Cole stepped into his villa. The night was quiet, the city glowing in the distance. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and sat in his study, the events replaying in his mind.[Ding. System Alert: Counterstrike Detected][Initiator: Jonathan Harlan][Estimated Impact: High]Cole leaned back, swirling his drink. “Of course. The lion won’t go down without claws.”Moments later, his phone buzzed. Headlines flashed across the screen: “Breaking News: Cole Walker, Fraud or Fortune?”“Rumors Surface: Is Dallas’s New Billionaire a Criminal?”“Anonymous Sources Claim Walker’s Wealth Is Stolen.”Cole’s eyes na