The lecture hall buzzed with quiet chatter as students filtered in, some groggy, some eager.
Cass took his usual seat near the centre, laying out his notebook with calm precision. His suit wasn't flashy, but it was tailored, the kind of cut that made others glance twice. A Rolex gleamed faintly on his wrist, understated yet commanding.
"Bloody hell, Vale," one student muttered from behind him. "You win the lottery or something?"
"Damn, how can I get that luck?" Another added.
Cass didn't turn. He simply adjusted his sleeve.
"Luck is for gamblers."
The comment shut down any laughter that might have followed. A few students exchanged looks, half envious, half unsettled. Even the professor glanced twice before clearing his throat and beginning the lecture.
Cass leaned back slightly, taking in the lecture without stress. His mind worked on multiple levels at once—scribbling notes, cataloguing the system's hints, and planning the gala that would announce his arrival.
Trent Beaumont struck as soon as the lecture ended. He sauntered up the aisle, his smirk wide, his voice pitched just loud enough to draw attention.
"Cassian," Trent said, drawing out the name. "Word around campus is you've been showing off. Driving cars, dressing like you own the place. Tell me, what's your secret? Did Mummy finally win a bingo prize?"
A few chuckles rose, students watching curiously. Trent leaned on the desk, his posture smug.
Cass closed his notebook slowly. His gaze rose, calm but sharp as glass.
"You seem obsessed with me, Beaumont," Cass said evenly. "Is it envy or infatuation?"
The laughter that followed wasn't at Cass's expense this time. Trent flushed, his jaw tightening.
"Careful, Vale," he hissed. "You're not untouchable."
Cass's smile was faint, cold.
"Neither are you."
[Hidden Ledger Update: Trent Beaumont]
[Debt Value Increased: +5. Total Debt: 20]
[Effect Strengthened: Confidence -2 when opposing host]
Trent tried to hold his stare but faltered. Cass rose smoothly, brushing past him without another word. The crowd of students parted without meaning to, some whispering as Trent stood frozen, humiliated.
Rowena caught up with Cass outside, her lips curving in quiet amusement.
"You do enjoy making enemies squirm."
Cass glanced at her. "Only when they deserve it."
"And if they all do?" she asked.
"Then I'll never run out of work," Cass replied.
Her laugh was soft, the sound of someone who appreciated sharp edges. She walked with him for a time, her expression curious.
That afternoon, Cass sat in his new mansion's study, papers spread across the wide desk. The system projected faint golden prompts only he could see.
[Sub-Quest Active: Hosting Gala]
[Objective: Hold an event to announce arrival to elite circles]
[Reward: +£20,000. Charisma +2. Reputation (High Society)]
Contacts flickered across his phone screen. Malcolm Harrington's number was there, as promised. Cass dialled without hesitation.
"Harrington," came the gravelled voice.
"It's Vale," Cass said. "I'm hosting an event. I want you there."
A pause, then a chuckle. "You don't stand still, do you, boy?"
"I don't intend to," Cass said.
"Send me the details," Harrington replied. "I'll bring a few associates. You may find them useful."
[Elite Guest Secured: Malcolm Harrington]
Cass ended the call, satisfaction curling in his chest. The system pulsed again.
[Optional Objective Added: Secure at least 5 elite guests]
[Bonus Reward: Rare Car (Vintage). Reputation +2]
He scrolled further through his contacts, making calculated calls, each one setting foundations for the night that would echo across the city. Every promise was delivered with calm certainty, every invitation made without hesitation. His voice carried weight now, and the people on the other end of the line felt it.
By evening, his parents were waiting at the long dining table. Elaine still looked like she was walking through a dream, her eyes sweeping over the vaulted ceilings, the chandeliers, the fine cutlery. Thomas sat straighter than Cass had ever seen him, shoulders squared, a quiet pride in his gaze.
"This is too much," Elaine whispered, though her voice carried no resistance.
"It's not enough," Cass said simply.
Thomas set down his fork. "Son, you need to explain. No games. How is this possible?"
Cass regarded him calmly. "I told you I don't plan to wait around anymore. The world is full of doors locked to us because of wealth and name. I've found the keys."
Elaine's hand trembled around her wine glass. "And what about you? You're so young—"
"I'm old enough to know what failure tastes like," Cass said quietly. "And I won't let it touch us again."
Silence followed, heavy but not hostile. Elaine's eyes glistened. Thomas reached across the table, gripping his son's hand firmly.
"You've changed," Thomas said. "But… perhaps it's what we needed."
[Family Confidence Aura Strengthened]
[Effect: Family morale +15% when host is present]
Cass allowed himself a small smile. His family would stand behind him, even if they didn't fully understand. That was enough.
Later that night, in the solitude of his study, Cass opened the Hidden Ledger again. Two names glowed faintly—Sienna Reed and Trent Beaumont. Their debts pulsed like chains waiting to be tightened.
'Soon,' Cass thought coldly. 'At the gala, they'll learn what it means to cross me.'
[Hidden Ledger Active Entries]
[Sienna Reed: Debt 40. Effect: -2 Composure near host. Public Slip Risk +15%]
[Trent Beaumont: Debt 20. Effect: -2 Confidence when opposing host. Social Backfire Risk +20%]
Cass closed the ledger, leaning back in the leather chair, the faint smile returning to his lips.
'The stage is set. All that remains is to draw the crowd—and then show them who I am.'