The morning sun felt sharper, brighter — like it was daring Darren to make a move.
His finger hovered over the "Confirm Purchase" button for the neighborhood café.
Investment Cost: £8,000
Current Bank Balance: £9,250 (after saving)
Potential Multiplier Return: 100x to 1000x
The system's warning echoed in his mind — reckless spending could mean a low multiplier or worse.
But the chance to skyrocket their fortune was too tempting.
He took a deep breath and pressed Confirm.
[Transaction Complete: -£8,000]
[Expenditure Multiplier Activated…]
The system interface flickered, then numbers spun rapidly — faster than his eyes could track.
Multiplier Result: 425x
[Bonus Credit: +£3,400,000]
Darren's jaw dropped.
Three million, four hundred thousand pounds — just like that.
His heart pounded so loud he was sure Aria could hear it from her room.
He double-checked his bank balance.
Current Bank Balance: £3,401,250
"Is this real?" he whispered.
The system chimed again.
[Warning: High multiplier returns can attract attention.]
Darren's smile faded.
Suddenly, the stakes felt a lot higher.
Later, over dinner, Darren explained to his mother and Aria what had happened.
Their eyes widened in disbelief.
"Maybe this is our chance," his mother said softly, hope shining for the first time in months.
But deep down, Darren knew this windfall was both a blessing and a ticking time bomb.
The system was giving — but what would it take in return?