Chapter 98

Arc 6: Rise of the Mogul

Chapter 3: Rivalry with the Elites

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Kai stood at the top floor of Laurent Designs' headquarters, looking down at the city below. The world was shifting, and he was the one pulling the strings. His deal with Isabella had already sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, and his system interface was proof of it.

[Laurent Designs Global Expansion: Phase 1 Progress – 20%]

[New Milestone Reached: Increased Market Value by 100% – Partial Reward Unlocked]

[Reward: Business Insight Boost – Host now has a deeper understanding of corporate strategies and market manipulation.]

Kai smirked. The system was recognizing his business acumen. He wasn't just throwing money around—he was shaping an empire.

As he swiped away the interface, his phone buzzed. Yuna's name flashed across the screen.

Yuna: You have a problem. Nexus isn't happy.

Kai chuckled to himself. Of course they're not.

He texted back.

Kai: Then let's make them furious.

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An Unexpected Invitation

That evening, an exclusive business gala was being held at the Royal Emerald Hotel, attended by the wealthiest individuals and top CEOs in the world. Kai received a personal invitation, which meant only one thing—Nexus wanted a face-to-face confrontation.

Dressed in an all-black tailored suit, Kai walked into the grand ballroom, exuding confidence. The moment he stepped in, heads turned. His name was already spreading in elite circles, and tonight, he was making it clear—he wasn't just some new player. He was the future.

Beside him, Isabella Laurent walked in wearing an elegant deep-blue gown, looking every bit like the CEO of a rising empire. Yuna followed closely, her sharp gaze scanning the room.

The tension in the air was thick. Kai could feel the weight of powerful eyes on him.

And then, he spotted him.

At the far end of the ballroom, standing with a glass of wine in his hand, was Victor Harrington—CEO of Zenith Holdings and one of Nexus's top financial backers. A man with billion-dollar deals under his belt and a ruthless reputation for crushing anyone who dared challenge him.

The moment their eyes met, Victor smirked.

"So, you're the infamous Kai Ashton." His voice was smooth, calculated. "I've been hearing a lot about you."

Kai smiled back, unfazed. "Good. That means I'm doing something right."

Victor took a slow sip of his wine before setting the glass down. "You've made quite the entrance into our world. But you're making dangerous enemies."

Kai chuckled. "The only thing dangerous here is how outdated Nexus has become. I'm just giving the world a better option."

Victor's eyes darkened slightly. "You think buying a fashion company makes you a threat? This is bigger than you understand."

Kai stepped closer, lowering his voice so only Victor could hear. "No, you don't understand. I'm not just here to compete—I'm here to take over."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Victor's face. "Then let's see if you're ready to play with the real elites."

Victor gestured toward a small private lounge attached to the ballroom. "Join me. Let's talk business."

Kai smirked. It was time for the real game to begin.

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The Billion-Dollar Gamble

Inside the private lounge, a group of powerful CEOs, investors, and Nexus associates sat around a luxurious poker table. Each man at that table had more money and influence than entire countries.

Victor took his seat at the center. "We like to handle things our way. Money, risk, power. Everything in this world comes down to one thing—who is willing to bet the highest."

A dealer shuffled the cards, but Kai knew this wasn't just about poker.

This was a test.

If he backed down, they'd see him as a weak newcomer. But if he played smart, he'd earn their respect—and their fear.

Victor leaned forward. "Buy-in is one billion dollars. Are you in?"

Kai smirked. "Make it five."

The room went dead silent.

Victor's expression barely changed, but there was a glint of surprise in his eyes.

"Bold," he muttered.

Kai leaned back casually. "I don't play small."

The other billionaires exchanged looks before agreeing to the increased stakes.

The game began.

For the next hour, millions were won and lost every few minutes. But Kai wasn't just playing cards—he was reading the players.

His system-boosted Business Insight helped him track patterns, body language, and emotional reactions.

One CEO's fingers tapped the table when he bluffed.

Another glanced at his chips nervously when he had a weak hand.

Victor? He was playing the long game. Every move was deliberate, every bet calculated.

But Kai was smarter.

By the final hand, the stakes had reached fifty billion dollars.

Victor narrowed his eyes. "Fold now, and we call it even."

Kai chuckled. "What's wrong? Afraid I'll take everything?"

Victor smirked. "If you lose, you'll owe me."

Kai leaned forward, locking eyes with him. "And if I win, I take Zenith Holdings' most profitable division."

The room went silent.

Victor hesitated for just a second.

And in that moment, Kai knew he had won.

Victor placed his cards on the table—a full house.

The crowd murmured. A strong hand.

But Kai smirked. He flipped over his own cards.

A royal flush.

Silence.

Then, explosive reactions.

Kai had just won the biggest game of his life.

Victor's jaw tightened. "You bastard."

Kai leaned back, grinning. "Looks like I own a piece of your empire now."

Victor stood up, his face composed but his rage undeniable. "This isn't over."

Kai chuckled, finishing his drink. "No, Victor. This is just the beginning."

As Kai walked out of the private lounge, he felt the shift.

He wasn't just a new player anymore.

He was a king in the making.

And the world was finally starting to realize it.

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System Notification:

[Business Victory Achieved – Kai Now Owns Zenith Holdings' Luxury Real Estate Division.]

[Laurent Designs Global Expansion Progress: 40%]

[New Business War Quest Unlocked – Defeat Victor Harrington and Dismantle His Corporate Influence.]

Kai smiled.

Time to take everything.

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End of Chapter 3.