The Devil's Fortune

First Taste of Power

The tracking chip news hit Marcel like a punch to the stomach.

He stood frozen in the hospital hallway, phone still pressed to his ear. "A chip inside her? This was never about some fake debt. Someone set this up."

Aurora touched his shoulder gently. "We will find them. But first, the system is flashing again. Olivia is nearby. Complete the special mission. Make her regret everything. It will strengthen you."

A bright panel glowed in Marcel's vision.

[Special Mission Update: Target nearby. Act now for full reward.]

Marcel shook his head. "I just learned someone planted a chip in my sister and you're telling me to go after Olivia? Lily is still in surgery."

Aurora leaned in closer, her voice firm but warm. "Exactly why you must act. The system rewards revenge. It will give you more power to protect Lily and destroy whoever did this. Trust it. Trust me. She is just down the street at that boutique. Let us go."

He clenched his fists. The memories of Olivia's mocking laugh still burned fresh. "Fine. Let's do it. I want her to feel even a fraction of what I felt last night."

They climbed back into the Rolls Royce. The chauffeur sped off smoothly toward the boutique. Marcel stared out the window, mind racing between Lily on the operating table and the woman who had thrown him away like trash.

"Remember the rules," Aurora said softly. "Revenge multiplies rewards. Show no mercy here and the system will give you everything you need."

Inside the boutique, Olivia held up another expensive dress against her body. "What do you think, Jake? This one for the premiere?"

Jake nodded from the couch. "Hot as hell, babe. You'll outshine everyone."

The door opened. Olivia glanced over casually and nearly dropped the dress. Aurora Vale walked in with Marcel right beside her, his arm linked with hers like they belonged together. Aurora moved with total confidence, guiding him straight toward Olivia and Jake.

Olivia's face twisted. "You have got to be kidding me. Marcel? Again? What are you doing with Aurora Vale? Did you start washing her car or something?"

Jake stood up, smirking. "Yeah, delivery boy. Run along. This is a high end place. Not for guys like you."

Aurora stepped forward, her elegant presence filling the room. She looked Olivia up and down with cold eyes. "Watch your mouth when you speak to him. Marcel Kane is with me now. And you... you are nothing but a cheap actress who stepped on a good man to climb a little higher."

Olivia laughed sharply, but her cheeks flushed red. "Cheap? I'm the one with the blockbuster deal. He's the loser who couldn't even pay rent. Look at him. Still the same pathetic guy begging yesterday."

Marcel stayed quiet at first, letting the anger build. Aurora squeezed his arm and spoke louder. "Pathetic? The only pathetic one here is you. I can end your little career with one phone call. No studio will touch you. No brand will book you. You will be finished. No one will want your face on their posters ever again."

Olivia's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious. You're bluffing. Who do you think you are, threatening me like that over this nobody?"

"I am Aurora Vale," she replied calmly. "I own this industry. One word from me and your precious movie deal disappears. Your name gets blacklisted. Try me."

Jake stepped between them, voice rising. "Hey, back off. Olivia worked hard for her spot. You can't just ruin her career over some ex."

Aurora ignored him completely and turned to Marcel. "See? This is what she is. Shallow and cruel. Say the word and I make the call right now."

Olivia's hands shook as jealousy and anger battled across her face. She glared at Marcel, then at Aurora's close stance beside him. "This is ridiculous. You seriously left me for this? No. He probably paid you or something. Marcel could never land someone like you on his own."

Marcel finally spoke, voice low and steady. "I didn't leave you. You threw me away. Called me a loser while your new boy toy laughed. Now look at me. With the most wanted woman in the world on my arm. How does that feel, Liv?"

Olivia's breath came fast. "It feels like a joke. You think this changes anything? You'll always be broke and weak inside. Jake, tell them."

Jake put his arm around Olivia but his voice wavered. "Yeah, man. She's with me now. Whatever game you're playing with Aurora, it won't last. She's way out of your league."

Aurora smiled coldly. "Out of his league? He is my league now. And you two are finished. I suggest you enjoy your little shopping while you still can, Olivia. Your spotlight is about to go dark."

Olivia spun toward Jake, venting her anger. "Can you believe this? This bitch thinks she can threaten me. And Marcel just stands there like he's suddenly important. I dumped him yesterday and now he's parading around with the top actress? It's disgusting."

Jake tried to calm her. "Babe, relax. She's probably just doing this for publicity. No way this is real. Let's get out of here and forget these clowns."

"No," Olivia snapped, turning back to Marcel. "You think you're better now? With your fancy ride and famous girlfriend? You'll crash and burn. Just like always. I made the right choice leaving you."

Aurora pulled Marcel gently toward the door. "We are done here. The system will handle the rest. She already regrets it deep down. Look at her face."

As they walked out, Olivia shouted after them. "This isn't over, Marcel! You hear me? You're still nothing!"

Jake grabbed her arm. "Let it go, Olivia. She's Aurora Vale. We can't fight that. Come on, let's pick your clothes and get out."

Olivia yanked her arm free, face red with fury and jealousy. "I hate this. How did he end up with her? After everything I said to him last night. It doesn't make sense. I was supposed to be the one rising."

Back in the Rolls Royce, Marcel sat quietly as the car headed toward the hospital. Aurora watched him closely.

"You did well," she said. "The system likes that."

A new notification flashed brightly in his vision.

[Special Mission: Incomplete. Further action required for full reward of one hundred billion.]

Marcel rubbed his temples. "Incomplete? I confronted her. She looked jealous and angry. What more does it want?"

Aurora smiled. "It wants her completely broken. This was only the start. You will have many chances. Now let us check on Lily. The surgery should be finishing soon."

They arrived back at the hospital. The elite medical team was just coming out of the operating room, looking satisfied. Marcel rushed forward.

"How is she?" he asked quickly. "Did everything go okay?"

The lead surgeon nodded. "Better than expected. Pins are in place. Bones realigned perfectly. She will need rehab but she will walk again. No permanent damage."

Marcel let out a long breath. "Thank you. Really. I don't know how to repay this."

Aurora stepped up beside him. "The system already has. Now rest a little. There is more to handle soon. Those who planted the chip will not hide forever."

Marcel observed aurora with renewed interest, noticing for the first time how beautiful and curvy she actually was

Marcel looked toward Lily's room. The pain from the last two days still sat heavy in his chest, but the power he felt now made it easier to breathe. Olivia's shocked face lingered in his mind. The mission was not done, but he had taken the first real step.

The system flashed one more time.

[Progress noted. Rewards building.]

He turned to Aurora. "Let's go see my sister. Then we plan the next move."

Aurora nodded. "As you wish. The world is starting to feel your name, Marcel. And it will fear it soon enough."

They walked down the hallway together, the weight of ten billion dollars and growing revenge pushing him forward. Lily was safe for now. But the people who hurt her and the woman who broke his heart still had payments to make.