Maribel stared at him, lips parted. Her breath was slow, uneven.
"I don't think it's right, Jace," she said softly. "You're drunk."
"I'm serious," Jace replied, stepping closer. "I've never been more honest."
She shook her head. "But... I have a daughter. You should marry someone younger. I'm already wrinkled, old."
He touched her cheek gently. "No. You're at the right age."
She looked down, unsure. Then he leaned in and kissed her.
Her hands came up to his chest, trembling. She gave a gentle push, not in resistance, but in fear of what crossing this line might mean.
If she allowed this, everything between them would change.
Still, her body betrayed her fears. Deep down, she had longed for this, to be held, to be wanted, to feel someone love her.
She gave in.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in, kissing him back. Their mouths opened wider. Tongues tangled. The kiss turned messy, wet, filled with hunger and spit.
She whispered his name. "Jace…"
"Maribel…" he breathed back.
He pulled up her nightgown slowly, revealing her soft skin. His hands cupped her breasts. They were huge and warm. He kissed one, then sucked hard, his mouth wet and firm. She didn't speak. She just leaned back against the wall, head tilted, lips parted, breathing hard.
She moaned softly as his tongue swirled around her nipples. Her fingers gripped his hair, tugging lightly. Her hips shifted.
Then his hand slid down between her legs. He pulled her black panties aside, his fingers caressing her slowly. She was already wet. She shivered at his touch.
Jace pressed her against the wall, lifted one of her legs, and pushed inside her.
She gasped sharply. Her fingers gripped his back, nails digging into him.
He began thrusting, slow at first. Then deep. Deeper.
She wrapped both legs around him, arms tight around his shoulders. Her eyes squeezed shut as he moved faster.
Their bodies rocked. The sound of skin slapping echoed in the quiet apartment. Her moans grew louder, more urgent. She bit her lip to hold them back, but failed.
He fucked her hard. She took every inch, holding on like she didn't want to let go. Her body trembled.
"Jace…" she whispered again, voice shaking.
He grabbed her ass, squeezed tight, and went faster.
She came first, body tensing, her legs squeezing around him. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. Just a silent, desperate cry.
Then he followed. His hips slammed into her one final time, spilling deep inside.
They stood still for a moment. Bodies locked. Breathing ragged.
Then he pulled her to the couch, laid her down, and joined her. Naked, wrapped in each other. Her head rested on his chest. His arms held her close.
The System blinked in front of him.
"Investment complete."
"$20,000 spent. For extra effort the return will be tripled."
"Three-fold refunded."
His phone buzzed.
Bank Balance: $70,000
'Pretending to be drunk was really a great idea.'
The next morning, Jace cruised through the city in a rented car, sleek, pricey, and just convincing enough to look like it belonged to him.
As he turned a corner, he spotted his ex walking into a luxury clothing store.
He slowed the car, smirked, and dialed Vanessa.
"Hey. Vanessa."
"Jace~" she answered, voice sweet.
"You disappeared without even saying goodbye," she teased.
"Yeah, an important business meeting came up," he lied casually. "Anyway, if you're free, can you meet me now?"
"This early?" she asked.
"Not a date," he added. "I just need help picking some clothes. You're a fashion influencer. You know men's clothes, right?"
She responded quickly. "Absolutely. Send me the location."
Ten minutes later, she walked in.
Jace was already browsing, dressed sharp again. Vanessa greeted him with a smile and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"You really are serious about this, huh?" she said, then called over the store manager. "Show us the premium section for men. Everything top shelf."
The manager nodded and opened a side room filled with designer suits, jackets, shirts.
Vanessa took control like a pro. She moved quickly, eyes scanning fabrics, checking labels. Despite her usual sugar-baby vibes, she looked completely professional.
"You've got broad shoulders. Go with structure, not baggy. Dark colors. Clean lines. Try this."
She handed him a black suit, white shirt, and slim tie.
Jace went inside to change.
The suggestion was simple, but the difference was instant when he stepped out.
He looked powerful. Clean. Handsome. His hair was neat. His face was sharp. The suit hugged him perfectly.
Vanessa tilted her head, impressed. "Damn. You look like a CEO ready to buy me a villa."
Jace chuckled.
Then came the sound of sharp heels tapping against the floor.
A blonde girl appeared at the entrance. She was average height, wearing a tight crop top and jeans, her hair curled, lips glossed in pink. Her eyes locked on Jace, and she froze.
"Jace?" she said, almost choking.
He turned casually. "Yes?"
She blinked, stunned. "What the hell…? How are you dressed like that? What are you doing here?"
"Shopping," he replied simply.
She looked him up and down, eyes wide. "You're broke. You couldn't afford socks last month. How the hell are you buying clothes in a place like this?"
Before Jace could speak, Vanessa stepped in.
"Jace, who is she? Do you know her?"
Jace looked at her calmly. "My ex."
The blonde's face twitched. She turned to Vanessa, scanning her. Tight dress, killer legs, flawless makeup, full lips. Her expression shifted—surprise first, then something sour underneath.
That's when a guy stepped in beside her. He had sharp brown eyes, short styled brown hair, and a smug look carved into his face. He was tall, thin, wearing designer sneakers and a leather jacket.
"Oh, Emily," he said, grinning, "is that him? Your ex-boyfriend? The one who couldn't even buy you a simple diamond ring?"
Emily laughed loudly and threw her arms around him. "Please, Kyle. I'm embarrassed I ever dated him."
Kyle looked Jace over with mock pity. "He probably took out a loan. Trying to fake the rich guy look. It's pathetic."
Emily joined in. "Yeah, I remember this guy couldn't even keep the lights on. Rent overdue, loans piled up. Complete loser. All talk, no money."
Jace didn't say a word. Just smiled calmly.
Kyle stepped closer, eyes narrowed. "People like you love to fake it till you make it. But guess what? Real wealth crushes fakes like you. So why don't you stop wasting our time and crawl back to the hole you came from."
Vanessa's expression shifted.
She didn't fully understand what was happening, but she saw the smirk on Jace's face, and that was enough.
Without missing a beat, she slid her arm around Jace's, pressing herself close. Her voice dropped into a sharp, silky tone.
"Actually, he could buy this whole store right now. In cash."
Kyle rolled his eyes. "Sure he can."
Vanessa leaned into Jace, her breasts pushing against him as she giggled. "He's full of surprises. Rich. Generous. And his other thing is also… very generous."
Emily's smile cracked.
Her arms folded, and she stood a little straighter, but next to Vanessa, she just looked… flat.
Kyle coughed awkwardly.
"What a joke," he muttered.
Jace finally spoke.
"You know, I used to think losing you was the worst thing that ever happened to me." He paused, his voice calm, cold. "But now? I realize you were just the discount version of a real woman."
Vanessa burst out laughing. She tried to cover her mouth with one hand, but her smile slipped through.
Emily's face turned red.
"You arrogant—"
But Jace had already turned toward the counter.
"Put it all on my card," he told the clerk.
The clerk nodded quickly, avoiding the tension behind him.
Vanessa and Jace walked out together, arm in arm.
Emily and Kyle stood frozen, saying nothing.
Jace didn't look back once.
'Just wait. One day I'll bankrupt both of you, and all you'll do is beg for mercy.'
Outside, Jace slid into his car. Vanessa got in beside him.
He glanced her way. "About that…"
Vanessa waved a hand. "I don't care if it's a lottery or a loan. Just treat me right, I'll back you up."
She gave him a sideways smile.
"By the way… you called me here just for your ex, didn't you?"
Jace laughed. "You got me."
He started the car.
Then, the System lit up in front of his eyes again.
"Target Selected."
"Name: Ava Voss. Age: 28. Status: Single. Occupation: CEO of a startup cosmetic company."
"Risk Level: Medium. Time Limit: One Month. Funds Authorized: $200,000."