The Investment Gala had officially commenced, its grandeur on full display in the opulent ballroom of the Rosewood Hotel. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, illuminating the sea of designer gowns, tailored tuxedos, and the dazzling shimmer of high society's elite. The scent of aged wine, imported perfume, and fresh orchids permeated the air, weaving an intoxicating atmosphere of prestige, ambition, and intrigue.
From real estate tycoons to tech moguls, Charlestown's most powerful figures mingled with quiet calculation beneath the elegance. Deals were brokered with smiles, rivalries cloaked in champagne toasts. But despite the glitter, everyone knew the real event would be the unveiling of Star Power Corporation's mysterious new project.
When the company's representatives finally took the stage, a hush fell over the ballroom. A sleek digital presentation revealed Star Power's ambitious initiative: a sweeping urban transformation powered by green technology. The screen displayed animated visuals of cities humming with life and sustainability—piezoelectric tiles converting footsteps into energy, air-purifying LIQUID3 biotanks lining the streets, and solar-paneled rooftops transforming public infrastructure into renewable power hubs.
Murmurs of intrigue rippled through the crowd. The project wasn't just grand—it was visionary.
Then came the shock.
Natalie, poised and radiant in a minimalist white gown, stepped forward. With calm authority, she announced Star Power's personal stake in the future:
"On behalf of the principal investor and the CEO of Star Power Corporation, I pledge $400 million to this project."
The silence was deafening. Forks froze mid-air. Champagne glasses trembled slightly in stunned hands. Even the most seasoned financiers stared in disbelief.
Four. Hundred. Million.
The number landed like a meteorite in the ballroom, shattering the composure of even the boldest investors. Even the wealthiest attendees exchanged incredulous glances. Such an enormous sum was no joke— even major banks would hesitate before committing to an investment of that magnitude. It wasn't just a statement—it was a declaration of dominance.
Natalie smiled politely and stepped back.
The host, recovering quickly, introduced her as the envoy of the corporation's new owner. Whispers circulated instantly, but only a select few—General Adams, Alex, and Natalie herself—knew the real truth. The mysterious owner was none other than Steven.
One by one, the rest followed.
The White family, not to be outdone, invested $50 million.
The Adams family committed $100 million.
And then Steven stood.
With a calm voice and a subtle smile, he pledged $100 million of his own. Though still cloaked in mystery, the whispers grew louder. A high school student? CEO of a small gaming studio? Where had he acquired such resources?
Even Mr. White's composed facade cracked. A frown tugged at his lips. He made a mental note to dig deeper into Steven's background. The boy was no ordinary teenager.
When the night concluded, Star Power had secured over $800 million in funding. A monumental victory.
Outside, as the guests began to disperse under the starry night, Steven departed with Alex after bidding farewell to Veronica and General Williams. Natalie exited the venue in a sleek white Mercedes coupe, taking a different route to reach the Villa at Crimson Heights.
At the villa, Steven's four assistants—Harry, Nathan, Morris, and Patricia—were already present. Natatie also reached there. Moments later, Steven arrived with Alex, and the living room buzzed with strategy, updates, and data projections.
"We made waves tonight," Alex said, removing his coat. "The sharks will start circling soon."
Steven nodded. "Let them. It's time they knew the tide's already ours."
They reviewed the assets likely to be unearthed in the inevitable investigations: the Rosewood Hotel, Sky Pearl Club, and several properties in Chestervale.
While he managed to keep his identity as the head of Star Power Corporation, Odin Industries, and Griffin Technology Studio concealed, General Adams was already aware of these affiliations. If Steven ever interacted with influential figures at such a level, these connections would inevitably come to light.
Fortunately, Steven still had a few hidden assets: a gold mine, a diamond mine, the Silverline Race Circuit and the prestigious Regalia Spire.
"Buy me time," Steven said calmly. "And double-check the security around Regalia Spire and the mines. They're still off-radar, and I want to keep it that way."
Later that night, Steven spent $5 million purchasing a neighboring villa and six new luxury cars. Each assistant received a custom vehicle tailored to their persona—from sleek sedans to high-performance SUVs—enhancing their corporate aura. It wasn't vanity. It was strategy. Appearances mattered when walking among titans.
The following day, Steven returned to school. He resumed his seat beside Veronica, their chemistry more visible than ever.
Rumors spread across campus like wildfire.
Students gossiped about the Star Power initiative, now the talk of Charlestown. Some marveled at the futuristic technologies: solar-paneled roofs on schools, government buildings, and stations, and the energy-generating piezoelectric tiles for for roadways, sidewalks, metro stations, schools, malls, clubs, and other key areas. Adding to these two was LIQUID3, a smart Photobioreactor that purifies air and even acts as a bench. A perfect replacement for trees in an urban area that not only purifies the air but also provides a place to rest.
But soon, the conversation shifted.
Steven and Veronica, the enigmatic power couple.
He, the mysterious young tycoon who built his empire from scratch. She, the regal princess and granddaughter of a revered general. A truly remarkable and seemingly perfect couple. Their quiet interactions during lunch, their shared glances during breaks, and their whispered conversations only added fuel to the fire.
While students discussed these matters, the high society of Charlestown delved into Steven's background. What they discovered left them astonished.
The gaming company they had assumed to be a small enterprise was, in fact, quite popular. Despite being relatively new, with a limited staff and only two games, it was successfully competing with industry giants like Raven Games, Nexon, and Epic Games.
And there was still more, a popular restaurant many of these high-class people recently visited— The Heavenly Dine. The best club in town— the Sky Pearl, and the Rosewood Hotel. All owned by Steven, a young boy still in school. There were even some real estates in Chestervale, which included a recently opened inn— The Heavenly Abode, a private fishing spot, a flourishing orchard, and a ranch that provided Horseriding learning lessons.
Mr. White, upon learning the extent of Steven's empire, silently thanked himself for advising Arnold to keep low. Had his brash son offended Steven by mistake, the consequences could've been catastrophic. His impulsive son might have spelt DOOM for the White family.
While these people were busy investigating, Steven's life settled into a new rhythm.
His mornings were spent attending classes at school, followed by study sessions in the afternoon that doubled as informal dates with Veronica. These sessions weren't solely about academics; they became a time for sharing their lives with one another—discussing dreams, aspirations, fears, and much more.
Veronica particularly enjoyed the variety of meals Steven prepared for lunch, showcasing his exceptional cooking skills. Steven wasn't just a good cook; he had reached an expert level, mastering advanced techniques and even acquiring unique abilities. For instance, he could identify ingredients and the entire cooking process simply by tasting a dish, and his meals often carried special medicinal benefits.
In the evening, they visited a tranquil botanical garden famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms. Veronica had chosen this enchanting spot for their first date, a place where she felt comfortable enough to truly open her heart to Steven. Beneath the soft glow of the blossoms, she shared her hopes, dreams, and fears. Veronica spoke passionately about her dream of establishing her own fashion company—a vision that aimed to celebrate global diversity. She imagined curating styles from around the world, blending traditional attire with modern designs, and crafting creations that were uniquely hers, whether through reinvention or innovation.
Yet, alongside her ambition, Veronica disclosed her deepest fear: losing everything in the pursuit of her goals. She worried about losing the unwavering support of her grandfather, the love of her parents, the friendships she held dear, or the vibrant highs and lows that gave life its meaning. With heartfelt sincerity, Steven assured her that she wouldn't face these challenges alone. He promised to stand by her side, whether it meant helping her achieve her dreams or ensuring her fears never came to pass.
"You won't have to face that alone," he said gently. "Whether you rise, fall, or soar, I'll be there."
His words were a pledge of unwavering support.
As that evening unfolded, Steven and Veronica stood beneath the cherry blossom tree, gazing at the starlit sky. It was there that Steven received his first kiss from the girl he loved—a gentle kiss on the cheek that symbolized Veronica truly accepting him. That moment became a cherished memory, one that marked the beginning of something truly special.
From that day forward, the botanical garden became their sanctuary. They often returned to the serene spot, holding hands as they reminisced about the beautiful memory they had created together, savoring the quiet peace and the bond that grew stronger with each visit.
A world away from power games, business empires, and whispered rumors. There, under the stars and cherry blossoms, they were just Steven and Veronica—two souls finding comfort and strength in one another.
The empire could wait. For now, they had each other.