Chapter 97

Arc 6: Rise of the Mogul

Chapter 2: The First Investment

The moment Kai's handshake with Isabella Laurent sealed the deal, a system notification appeared before his eyes.

[New Business Acquired: Laurent Designs – Global Expansion Quest Unlocked]

[Mission: Increase Laurent Designs' market value by 500% in six months. Reward: Exclusive Business Perk + Special System Upgrade.]

Kai's smirk widened. The system was finally recognizing his business acumen. This wasn't just about spending money anymore—he was building an empire.

"You've got my interest, Mr. Ashton," Isabella said, adjusting the elegant bracelet on her wrist. "But you've also made an enemy of Nexus. They control nearly every major fashion house in the industry. You really think you can challenge them?"

Kai leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough so only she could hear. "Not just challenge them, Isabella. Outclass them."

Her green eyes flickered with curiosity. "Bold words. But fashion isn't just about money—it's about reputation, branding, and connections."

Kai chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "And you think I don't have those?"

From across the gala, whispers were already starting. The name Kai Ashton was being passed from billionaire to billionaire, investor to investor. He wasn't just some nobody trying to make waves—he was the storm.

---

Later That Night – Private Boardroom, Laurent Designs HQ

The walls were lined with high-end designs, sketches, and fabric samples. Isabella's company had talent, but it lacked the financial firepower to compete against Nexus-backed brands.

Kai sat at the head of the boardroom table, Isabella across from him, with Laurent Designs' top executives nervously watching.

"I don't waste time," Kai said, placing a thick folder on the table. "This is our roadmap to turning Laurent Designs into the biggest luxury brand in the world."

One of the executives scoffed. "Impossible. Nexus controls the industry. We'd be blacklisted from the biggest shows."

Kai smiled. "Not if we make our own show."

He tapped the folder. Inside were blueprints for an exclusive, invite-only fashion event in Dubai, funded entirely by Kai's system money.

"We create an event so elite, so high-profile, that the top influencers, billionaires, and celebrities come to us. Once we control demand, Nexus loses their grip on the market."

Isabella flipped through the plans, her expression unreadable. "You think money alone can pull this off?"

Kai leaned forward, meeting her gaze. "Not just money. Power. Influence. Strategy. We dominate social media, control the narratives, and make Nexus look outdated. You're a visionary designer, Isabella—I'm just giving you the platform to take over the world."

Silence filled the room.

Then, slowly, Isabella smiled. "I like the way you think."

Kai extended his hand. "Then let's change the game."

She shook it.

[Laurent Designs Global Expansion: Phase 1 Activated – Influence the Fashion World]

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The Next Morning – Kai's Penthouse

Kai woke up to the soft glow of the sunrise filtering through the massive glass windows of his penthouse. He checked his phone—dozens of emails, invitations, and offers had already started rolling in.

Word had spread overnight. Kai Ashton was officially shaking the foundations of the business world.

Just as he poured himself a coffee, his system interface blinked.

[Incoming Call: Aria (System AI)]

Kai smirked and answered.

"Good morning, Aria," he said. "What do you have for me?"

Her voice, smooth and teasing, echoed in his mind. "I must say, Kai, you're adapting to this new level of power quite well. But don't get too comfortable."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Got another challenge for me?"

There was a brief pause before she spoke again. "Nexus is watching you. Your moves are making them nervous."

Kai's smirk didn't fade. "Good. Let them be nervous."

Aria's voice lowered slightly, almost serious. "They won't just sit back and let you take what's theirs. Be prepared—they will retaliate."

Kai's grip on his coffee tightened. He knew Nexus wouldn't go down without a fight. But he had the money, the brains, and now the connections to take them on.

"Let them try," he said confidently. "This is just the beginning."

And he meant it.

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End of Chapter 2