Chapter 20:The Quiet Rise

Chapter 20: The Quiet Rise

The days were passing quickly, and Andrean's life was beginning to feel like something out of a dream. His family's finances had drastically improved, but the changes were subtle. There were no flashy purchases or extravagant celebrations—just small adjustments that made life a little easier. The house felt more comfortable, his mother's health was improving, and Andrean was able to contribute more to his family without them even noticing the full extent of his success.

The cashback system continued to work in his favor. Every purchase, every transaction, every investment—no matter how small—led to steady growth. What started as a few hundred pesos had blossomed into millions, all thanks to his careful strategy and the secret system that powered his financial journey. But Andrean kept all of this to himself.

Richard remained his closest friend, but Andrean didn't want to reveal how exactly he had managed to turn his life around. Richard had always been supportive, but he didn't need to know the details. Andrean had come to terms with the fact that his success was personal, not for anyone else to scrutinize or envy. He wanted to maintain his low-key lifestyle and protect the secret that had helped him achieve his goals.

The only person who had noticed anything different was his mother. Cicil had started to comment on the new improvements around the house—the more comfortable furniture, the better food, and the small gifts Andrean had been able to buy her. She didn't ask questions; she was just thankful for whatever was making life easier. Andrean never told her the whole truth, though. She didn't need to know the specifics. As far as she was concerned, her son was simply making good decisions.

One evening, as the two of them sat at the dinner table, Cicil smiled at him. "You've been so thoughtful lately, Andrean," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I don't know what's been going on, but I can feel that things are better for us. Thank you."

Andrean smiled back, his heart swelling with affection. "It's nothing, Mom. I'm just doing what I can."

She reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "Whatever it is, I'm proud of you."

Those words meant more to him than anything else. He didn't need the recognition from anyone else—he just wanted his family to be happy and secure.

Meanwhile, his school life remained largely unchanged. Athena and Keyliene were still as brilliant as ever, and Andrean continued to support them in his own quiet way. They didn't know about his growing wealth, and that was how he wanted it to stay. He didn't want their opinions to change, nor did he want them to see him differently. As far as they were concerned, he was just Andrean—the guy who sat next to them in class and sometimes cracked a joke or two.

Richard, however, had started to notice subtle things. He had been seeing Andrean leave the school parking lot in a new car—a sleek, well-maintained vehicle that was far nicer than the one Andrean had used just months ago. He didn't ask questions, but there was a lingering curiosity in his mind. He wasn't the type to pry, but he was starting to wonder how his best friend could afford such luxuries.

One day, as they sat together in the school cafeteria, Richard glanced over at Andrean. "Hey, man, I've been meaning to ask... how are you affording all of this?" he asked casually, gesturing to the lunch they were sharing and the new car he had seen Andrean drive. "I mean, don't get me wrong, you've always been smart with money, but this... this is a whole other level."

Andrean's heart skipped a beat. The question was inevitable, but it didn't make it any easier to answer. He knew Richard wasn't trying to dig for a deep secret—he was just curious, as any friend would be.

"Just some good decisions, I guess," Andrean replied with a shrug, keeping his tone light. "Nothing too complicated. Just working hard and being smart."

Richard nodded, but his expression suggested he wasn't fully satisfied with that answer. "Well, whatever you're doing, it's working," he said with a grin. "But don't forget about us when you're out there living the high life."

Andrean laughed, a little nervously. "I won't forget you, Richard. You're one of the few people who knows the real me."

Richard smiled, not pressing the matter further. He trusted Andrean, and that was enough for him.

Later that evening, Andrean sat alone in his room, reflecting on the conversation. It was becoming harder to keep his secret. There were moments when he felt the weight of it, like a pressure building inside him. He had worked so hard for this success, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was living a double life.

But even as the pressure mounted, Andrean knew he couldn't share the truth. Not yet. The cashback system was his to control, and revealing it to anyone could change everything. It wasn't just about the money—it was about the principle of it. Andrean didn't want people to think he had taken shortcuts or that he had somehow found an easy way out. His success had come from hard work, strategy, and the secret system that had worked for him—nothing more.

For now, he would continue to live the quiet life. His family was better off, his friends didn't know any better, and he could still be the same person they had always known. It wasn't about showing off—it was about making sure that the future was secure for everyone he cared about.

And so, Andrean carried on, quietly building his empire, all while keeping the secret that had gotten him this far locked away. The journey was just beginning, but he knew one thing for sure—he was in control. And that was all that mattered.