Chapter 55: Shadows of Desire

The soft glow of the city lights flickered through the grand windows of the luxurious banquet hall. Jackim stood at the far end, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, observing the opulent gathering before him. His presence was unnoticed by most, a shadow among the elite, despite the hidden wealth he possessed.

Tonight was another high-society gathering, an event filled with billionaires, heirs, socialites, and, of course, campus students invited as "entertainment." Jackim had attended merely out of curiosity. The air was heavy with expensive perfumes, laughter laced with deceit, and the clinking of champagne glasses.

Amid the crowd, a familiar face caught his attention—Samantha. Dressed in a crimson gown that accentuated her perfect curves, she commanded attention. Her laughter was bright, but her eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the room like a huntress searching for prey. Once, she had mocked Jackim, treated him like dirt. Now, she was engaged in flirtatious conversation with an older businessman, her fingers delicately running over the rim of her wine glass.

Jackim smirked. Nothing had changed. This world still revolved around power and wealth.

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At the campus, whispers spread like wildfire. The rumor mill had churned out tales of Jackim's involvement with some of the wealthiest figures in the city. Some laughed at the absurdity; others speculated in envy. A group of well-dressed students sat in the university café, throwing around comments about Jackim's sudden change in demeanor.

"Did you see how he walked into the class today? Like he owns the place," one scoffed.

"Maybe he does," another sneered. "Or maybe he's just faking it, trying to act rich when he's still that broke loser."

Meanwhile, Ella, the mysterious girl who had always observed Jackim from afar, sat silently at the corner, her fingers tapping against her phone screen. She had been keeping an eye on him, intrigued by the way he handled himself. Unlike the others, she sensed something different about him. Something… hidden.

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The phone in Jackim's pocket buzzed. A new task from the mysterious app. His heart thudded as he opened the notification:

"Task: Attend the underground auction tonight. Secure the mysterious black box. Reward: Special access to an unknown inheritance. Failure: Immediate exposure of your identity."

His eyes darkened.

Jackim knew the game had just begun.

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