Nick and Nathan stood at the imposing glass doors of the Solaria building, their hearts pounding in sync with the sleek humming of the security scanners. Dressed sharply but betraying signs of stress, they tried to maintain their composure as they pleaded with the front desk security.
"We need to speak with the General Manager," Nathan insisted, placing both palms on the counter. "It's urgent."
The security guard raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a scheduled appointment?"
"No," Nick cut in, frustration rising, "But this can't wait. It's about Subject 7-143. Elena."
The receptionist remained unmoved, her fingers tapping on the sleek counter. "I'm sorry, sirs. No appointment, no entry."
But just then, something changed. One of the guards at the CCTV monitor gasped.
"Wait," he whispered, pointing at the screen. "Is that…?"
The receptionist followed his gaze.
On the lobby feed was a stately older man walking through the front doors like he owned the very air inside the building. The Grand Elder of the House of Calendra. His presence was unmistakable — the long, gray tunic, the polished cane, and the deep knowing in his eyes. The receptionist's face paled.
"I'll inform the General Manager immediately," she said, standing up straight. "Please follow me."
Inside the General Manager's private office — a lavish, dimly lit room with towering shelves of ledgers and glowing screens — the Grand Elder was welcomed like royalty.
"Grand Elder," the General Manager said as he bowed slightly, motioning toward a leather armchair across his desk. "To what do I owe the honor?"
"I'll be direct," the Grand Elder replied, sitting with calm authority. "Take Elena out of the Game."
The General Manager sighed, folding his hands. "It's not that easy. She's one of our hottest games now. Bets on her are reaching record numbers. You know how much money is involved?"
"I do."
"Then you must know that the only way to take her out is to buy her out." He leaned forward. "Ten million dollars."
Silence. The Grand Elder showed no surprise, only a faint flicker of amusement. "That's your price?"
"It's non-negotiable. We're not monsters, Elder. We're businessmen. Remove her and you'll need to cover the loss."
The Grand Elder simply nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Very well."
The General Manager blinked. "You agree?"
"No. I said very well, because I have a better idea."
An hour later, Nick and Nathan walked out of the building with the Grand Elder. Neither could contain their curiosity any longer.
"What happened in there?" Nathan asked. "Did he agree to pull Elena out?"
The Grand Elder didn't answer. Instead, both men's phones buzzed with notifications.
Nick looked down first, and his jaw dropped. "No way…"
Nathan looked at his own screen. The Solaria app had just launched a new game — and it was already trending.
NEW GAME ALERT: THE 100-MILLION DOLLAR MARRIAGE.
Betting Subject: Elena 7-143
Whoever marries Elena gets $100 million. Winning betters can win up to $50 million.
"What the hell…" Nathan whispered. "What is this?"
Nick's lips curled into a grin. "He flipped it. The Grand Elder didn't pull her out — he upped the stakes."
Within moments, the Solaria office was in chaos. Phones rang nonstop. Servers struggled to keep up with the rush of new bets. Investors, celebrities, and rich players from around the world flooded the app. Elena's name was everywhere. Her photo, her profile stats, her favorite foods, past relationships, even old selfies were being analyzed and speculated upon.
News sites of the Black Market whispered rumors: "Who is the girl worth $100 million?"
Some believed it was a marketing stunt. Others thought it was a legitimate royal decree. Theories spread like wildfire.
Nick watched the app's dashboard surge with glee. "This is bigger than anything. Even the Black Card Bounties didn't get this many views."
Nathan, however, didn't share his enthusiasm. He looked troubled. "You realize this puts her in even more danger, right? Every crazy billionaire with a ring and an ego is going to come after her now. She won't be able to tell friend from predator."
"Maybe," Nick shrugged, "but this is our chance too."
Nathan turned slowly. "What do you mean?"
Nick didn't reply. Instead, he tapped the heart icon on Elena's profile.
"I'm placing my bet," he said. "On me."
Meanwhile, across town, Elena stirred in her sleep. The night was humid and still. But her dreams were frantic.
She ran through a maze of faceless people. Cameras blinked like stars from the ceiling. Giant hands reached out from shadows, holding rings and red velvet boxes. People called her name, not out of affection, but like bidders at an auction.
She woke with a start.
The next few days were a blur to Elena. She found herself easily drained at work. She would go back home immediately to recharge, but she would wake up the next day tired as usual. She felt uneasy. Maybe this is just part of the adulting life. Maybe this is just part of the grind. But deep inside her, she felt that something was deeply off.
Back at the Solaria boardroom, the General Manager leaned back in his chair, watching the chaos unfold in real-time. This is how high-stakes money moves people in all directions. This is easily the highest income generated by the Solaria game so far.
The Grand Elder's move had turned Elena from just another subject into a legend.
The General Manager also wondered why the Grand Elder did such a trick. What was the Grand Elder's point in all of this? To make the game more interesting? To do more business with him? And who was this girl that the Grand Elder suddenly invested 100 million dollars in?
The General Manager was also witness to the Grand Elder's world-shattering moves in business throughout these years. And he wouldn't question it now - not now that it involves his business.
"She's no longer just a pawn," the General Manager muttered. "She's the Queen on the board now."
And Queens, after all, attract kings… and hunters.
The real game had only just begun.