Chapter 26: Signatures, Skylines, and Surprised Smiles

Chapter 26: Signatures, Skylines, and Surprised Smiles

"When ink meets intention, futures are changed — and sometimes so are eyebrow heights."

Scene 1

The Signing Ceremony

Morning sunlight poured through the crystal panes of the Elvaris Manor boardroom, casting long shafts of gold across polished obsidian tile. Three glowing tablets sat at the center of the sleek table, their holographic surfaces pulsing gently, waiting.

Velmir stood at the head, hands behind his back, dressed in a tailored navy jacket that looked a few years too mature for any ordinary sixteen-year-old. At his side, Mina Ortega and Julian West exchanged glances — the kind of glances that came with adrenaline and maybe, just maybe, disbelief.

Viara, radiant and composed in her fully humanoid form, stood to one side like an executive goddess. Her voice rang out smooth and clear.

"Agenda: Finalize equity contracts. Reveal surprise gifts. Monitor press response."

Velmir stepped forward and tapped the edge of the central tablet. A translucent interface unfolded into the air, displaying the corporate seal and five names beneath a glowing banner: Elvaris Group – Equity Structure (Finalized)

Elvaris Parents (Board Chairs) – 51%

Velmir Elvaris (Founder) – 29%

Tony Stark (Senior Advisor) – 14%

Julian West (Co-Founder) – 3%

Mina Ortega (Co-Founder) – 3%

Julian's jaw dropped.

Mina blinked twice, slowly. "Wait. Is this real?"

Velmir gave a small, crooked smile. "You helped build the future. Why shouldn't you own a piece of it?"

Julian reached out and signed first, a shimmer rippling across the tablet as his name etched into the ledger. Mina followed, hands slightly trembling. A soft chime confirmed all three signatures. The deal was done.

Viara smiled faintly. "Practical congratulations may include champagne or celebratory cupcakes. Both have been prepared."

Scene 2

The Grand Reveal

Outside, under the estate's massive glass skylight, three cars sparkled like fallen stardust. A velvet rope stood poised before a bright red Ferrari F430 Spider, a sleek black Audi R8 Spyder, and—off to the side—two Bentley Continental GTs gleaming in quiet luxury.

Mina gasped before she even reached the foot of the stairs.

Velmir gestured with open arms. "The Ferrari's for you. The Audi's for Julian. The Bentleys… for your parents."

Julian choked on his own breath. Mina took a stunned step forward.

"For our parents?" she asked, voice caught somewhere between awe and suspicion.

"They raised you. They believed in you. This is from me… but it's because of you."

Scene 3

Tears, Laughter, and Thank You Engines

Mina's mom let out a shaky sob as her fingers grazed the polished chrome of the Bentley's grille. "I… I can't accept this. This is too much."

Velmir, standing beside her, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's not a gift. It's a thank you."

Mina's dad let out a low whistle. "She's gonna make me wash it, isn't she?"

"Frequently," Mina said, dazed and grinning.

Julian's parents walked around their Bentley like cautious astronauts landing on an alien planet. His mother touched the steering wheel as if it might vanish. His father just stood there, staring.

"I never thought… never thought our boy would…" he couldn't finish the sentence.

Julian walked up, clapped him on the back. "I'm still a menace in math, Dad. Don't worry."

His dad just pulled him into a hug.

Scene 4

Keys to the Kingdom

Back on the driveway, Velmir handed Julian a slim key fob. "Drive it like you code—precise, overthought, and always a little chaotic."

Julian held it like a sacred relic. "Can I name it?"

"Already registered under 'Black Lightning Junior.' But you may rename."

Mina's Ferrari key practically gleamed in her hand. "I feel like I need a license just to breathe near this."

"Speed tickets," Velmir said with a smirk, "are just road concerts with an audience and a fine."

"You're such a disaster," she muttered, smiling like a star had parked itself in her chest.

Scene 5

News Storm

Back inside, the estate's main boardroom pulsed with activity. Screens flickered with live data and newsfeeds. The moment the press embargo lifted, headlines exploded across every major network.

"Elvaris Group Unveils Teen-Led GlassReal Project — Disruption in Consumer Tech Begins."

"Three Founders, One Vision: Meet the Teenagers Shaping the Future of Interface Design."

"Tony Stark's Bet on the Blue-Haired Prodigy Pays Off—Big."

Celebrity shout-outs flooded social media. Investor channels buzzed like lit wires.

Viara stepped forward, reviewing dozens of comment streams in a single blink. "Sentiment: 98% positive. Trending tags: #GlassReal #NextGenGenius #ElvarisThree. No hostile coverage at present."

Velmir leaned against the railing, arms crossed, smiling softly.

"Let's keep it that way."

Scene 6

The Stark Call

His phone buzzed. S.TARK.

Velmir answered on speaker. "Tony."

Tony's voice crackled through with typical flair. "You really know how to throw a party and steal headlines, don't you?"

"Only stealing from mediocrity," Velmir replied, sipping his tea.

"You're trending next to a space shuttle launch."

"Then we're already behind schedule."

A beat. Then Tony's voice softened. "Proud of you, kid. And tell Viara I still think she's watching me through my toaster."

Viara's voice chimed in playfully, "Your fears are valid."

Tony cackled.

"Dinner next week," Velmir said. "I'll bring the toast. You bring the ego."

Tony: "Done. First one to say 'arc reactor' loses."

Scene 7

Departure into the Night

By nightfall, the estate sparkled under amber lights. Engines purred in a slow chorus across the driveway. Julian climbed into the Audi, running his fingers across the leather wheel like it might vanish.

"Call if you crash it," his dad muttered, half-proud, half-terrified.

"Crash what?" Julian replied. "I plan to break the laws of physics."

Mina and her mom slipped into the Ferrari. She adjusted the mirror, ran her fingers over the dash. Her mother's grin turned wild.

"I feel like a Bond villain," she whispered.

"Good," Mina said. "Be one."

Velmir settled into his own ride, letting the dashboard hum to life around him. His eyes swept across the others as the garage doors lifted. The night sky welcomed them — stars blinking open like they were watching too.

"Playlist, Viara?" he murmured.

Her voice answered, calm and warm in his ear. "Always."

The engines roared as one. The convoy rolled into the dark, taillights gleaming like constellations in motion — quiet proof that something wonderful had been built. Together.

✅ End of Chapter 26: Signatures, Skylines, and Surprised Smiles