Pedestrians on the sidewalk turned their heads, eyes widening in awe as a dazzling blur zipped by an elegant streak of blue and silver racing through the city streets like a bolt of lightning.
"Whoa… what a stunning car!" someone gasped, shielding their eyes from the sunlight that danced off its sculpted curves.
"Wait, what model is that?" another murmured, craning their necks before it vanished around the corner.
"I know that one!" exclaimed a sharply dressed man, his voice tinged with both admiration and envy.
"That's the Aether GT. Only two hundred units are produced each year across Aurelia. Ten million Unicreds minimum!"
"Ten million?!" came a stunned reply. "Who on earth needs a car like that?"
"Not need," he corrected, his gaze lingering where the blur had disappeared. "People like that don't just need things; they collect proof they can have what others can't."
Inside the cockpit, Arthur's fingers curled comfortably around the leather steering wheel.
The Aether GT's interior was nothing short of a masterpiece,carbon-fiber trims glistened under soft lighting, an adaptive HUD floated just beyond the dashboard, and the faint scent of premium leather mingled with an electric undertone from its advanced systems.
His heart raced not from fear but exhilaration as streetlights blurred into streams of glass and neon reflections on the tinted windshield.
Oddly enough, this wasn't even close to unleashing the car's full potential; its engine emitted a restrained growl, barely stretching its legs.
Still, he didn't want to tempt fate with a reckless speeding ticket right now.
Easing off the accelerator, he let the sensation of raw speed transform into a steady hum of control.
Moments later, he made a precise turn and coasted to a smooth stop before a towering monolith of obsidian glass, headquarters of the Osborn Group.
Its mirrored façade reflected the Aurelia skyline like a blade catching an enemy's glare.
The Osborn crest gleamed defiantly at its peak against the brilliant blue sky.
With an effortless flick of his wrist, Arthur activated the butterfly door which rose gracefully against sunlight's backdrop.
Stepping out into afternoon glow caught in fine threads of his blazer highlighted his figure perfectly.
Several office workers exiting paused mid-step; some recognized him instantly while others felt his aura,that magnetic presence making people instinctively step aside.
A few women exchanged quiet conspiratorial glances.
"Did you see that car?"
"Who is he?"
"That's Arthur Osborn… hasn't been around for months."
Arthur offered them a small smile,effortless yet dismissive before tossing his keys to a nearby security guard without breaking stride.
"Full valet service," he said casually.
"Yes, Mr. Osborn!" The guard bowed slightly before sliding into the driver's seat like entering sacred ground.
Arthur pushed through the revolving doors, greeted by a rush of cool air and the soft hum of corporate life.
The lobby's polished marble floors mirrored the world around him like a tranquil pond, while the delicate scent of imported lilies wafted from a tall vase behind reception.
As he stepped into the elevator, a biometric scanner pulsed once, recognized him instantly, and secured the carriage for a direct ascent to the 60th floor.
Fifteen seconds later, with a gentle chime, the doors slid open.
The upper floors the Osborn Group's command center, felt like stepping into another realm.
Walls adorned with digital screens flickered with stock data, real estate metrics, and market forecasts.
Employees in sharp suits moved swiftly through their tasks; earpieces glinted as they exchanged urgent whispers.
Even without hearing them, Arthur could sense it, an electric tension in the air as his company fought tooth and nail to maintain its standing.
"Good morning, President!" several staff members chimed in unison, their voices quick yet respectful.
Arthur offered a calm nod. "Morning. Carry on."
He didn't need to elaborate; his mere presence spoke volumes.
As he navigated across the bustling floor, he observed not just with his eyes but with the keen awareness of someone who had weathered storms in another world.
There was no room for complacency here. Despite financial strains looming overhead, his team moved like soldiers poised for action.
Good, he thought. They haven't broken.
Reaching his office door, Arthur pushed it open to reveal a familiar silhouette near his desk: Ashley Osborn, long raven hair cascading over her tailored black suit and posture so straight it could slice through glass. She turned at the sound of his entrance.
"Big brother!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with relief and excitement.
Arthur smiled back warmly. "Ashley."
She crossed her arms playfully but feigned exasperation. "Do you have any idea how much work you've dumped on me by vanishing? I'm basically doing three people's jobs!"
Arthur smirked as he sank into a plush armchair. "I knew you could handle it! So… tell me how bad it really is."
Her expression shifted instantly; lightness evaporated as she glanced at a daunting stack of documents before meeting his gaze again.
"It's not great," she said flatly. "We've sold off most subsidiaries; only real estate remains and that's frozen solid right now. The land development project is bleeding money… And…"
She hesitated briefly before continuing, jaw tightening slightly. "Other companies are circling like vultures."
Arthur leaned forward intently. "Names."
Her lips pressed into a thin line before she replied quietly: "Horizon Legacy Real Estate Group."
His gaze sharpened immediately. "Sterling Family?"
Ashley nodded and said gravely. "They offered us ten million Unicreds for land we bought at twenty. What do they think we are, desperate?"
Arthur's smirk was laced with disdain. "Ten million? Either they're foolish or they believe we are. That land will be worth four times that in just three years."
Ashley spread her hands wide in frustration. "But Arthur, we can't develop it without capital!"
Leaning back casually, Arthur brushed off imaginary dust from his sleeve as if the situation were trivial. "Who says we don't have capital?"
Her eyes widened in realization. "Wait… you..."
"I secured the funds," he interrupted confidently.
She stepped around the desk, lowering her voice as if the walls themselves might eavesdrop. "Please tell me you didn't go to loan sharks."
Arthur chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Relax! It's clean money, not a single law broken."
Ashley let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thank God! You nearly gave me a heart attack."
With a sudden shift in tone, Arthur became crisp and commanding.
"Call Aunt Emily and Second Uncle. If they're in the building, bring them here. We've been on the defensive for too long; it's time to strike back."
Just five minutes later, the office door swung open again.
Nathaniel Osborn strode in first, tall and imposing like a general ready for battle, his salt-and-pepper hair and rugged jawline giving him an air of timeless strength.
His steady gaze felt like it could weigh your very soul.
Following closely was Emily Osborn,poised and powerful in crimson heels with a tailored blazer that fit her like armor. Her sharp gaze sliced through the room with surgical precision.
"Arthur," Emily said with a playful smile that hinted at mischief, "So the legend finally emerges from his cave."
Arthur returned her smile with one of his own. "Thought I'd take a look at what's happening on this battlefield."
Nathaniel nodded curtly but approvingly. "Good to see you back in action. How's your head?"
"Clearer than ever," Arthur replied, matching Nathaniel's nod.
As they settled into the sitting area, Ashley stood by with fresh coffee brewing,an unspoken ritual amidst chaos.
Turning to Emily, Arthur asked pointedly, "How much do we still owe the bank?"
Her response was precise as ever: "Nova Capital Bank, five million Unicreds owed; liquid assets barely three million."
Arthur absorbed this quietly; these weren't just figures,they were battle lines drawn in sand.
In his mind's eye, he envisioned it: The Osborn Group as a fortress under siege, enemies hammering at their gates while allies scattered like leaves caught in a storm and resources dwindled dangerously low... Yet somehow those walls still held strong.
He let the silence linger for a few seconds, letting the weight of his words settle in.
"This ends now."
Ashley's eyes sparkled with curiosity, Emily's gaze was sharp and calculating, while Nathaniel remained an enigma, his expression unreadable.
Arthur's smirk returned, slow and deliberate,a predator sizing up its prey.
"The Sterlings want us on our knees? Fine. Let's show them what happens when you corner an Osborn."