Skyview Villa — Later That Afternoon
Lina arrived at Crescent Hill just as the sunlight turned gold. Her car slowed near the gates of Skyview Villa, and she couldn't help but stare.The place looked less like a house and more like something out of a film — glass, marble, and elegance stitched together by silence.
She stepped out of the car, brushed her hair, and muttered, "Okay… this guy definitely isn't normal."
The AI's soft voice echoed through the intercom.
"Hello. Welcome to Mr. Edward Hale's residence. May I know your name and reason for visiting?"
Lina blinked, half-smiling. "A talking house… of course he'd have one. My name's Lina. Mr. Hale invited me."
"Welcome, Miss Lina. Please proceed to the main entrance. Mr. Hale is expecting you."
Inside, Edward stood near the doorway, dressed in a simple black shirt and jeans. No jewelry, no watch — just quiet confidence. The contrast between him and the luxury behind him made Lina pause.
She smiled as she entered. "You look way too casual for a man who lives in a glass palace."
Edward chuckled. "I prefer comfort."
"Fair enough." Lina set her bag on the counter, her eyes drifting around the massive living room. "Okay, I'll say it — this place is insane. You sure you don't secretly run the city?"
Edward replied casually, "I don't have any interest in running it. Anyway, please take a seat. Do you want water or coffee?"
Lina blinked, unsure if he was joking or serious. She decided to let it slide. "No thanks. So, you live alone?"
"For now, yes."
Lina clicked her tongue. "Figures. You've got that mysterious vibe going on." She leaned forward. "So, about your 'entrance' — I have an idea, but your wallet's going to hurt."
Edward smiled faintly. "Money isn't an issue."
"Perfect." Lina grinned. "First, I'll take a few pictures of the villa and post an announcement — something like, 'Shopping with the mysterious owner of Skyview Villa.' That'll build hype before we even step into the mall. By the time we start, the stream will already be buzzing."
Edward nodded, impressed. "So I just shop a bit, right? That works. My wardrobe's empty anyway."
Lina raised an eyebrow but didn't question why a man living in a twelve-million-dollar villa had an empty closet. "Alright. I'll take pictures of the common areas — nothing private, don't worry."
Edward smirked. "Go on, Noona. Have your way."
Lina laughed softly at that, shaking her head as she started snapping photos. Within minutes, her TikTok and Instagram lit up with posts teasing the stream.
"1 hour until we go live with the mystery man of Skyview Villa.""Rumor says he bought the villa in cash."
By the time she finished, the buzz had already started spreading.
Grand Nova Mall
An hour later, the Defender pulled into the glowing heart of the city — Grand Nova Mall. The lights bounced off the car's polished body as Lina adjusted her camera setup. Edward followed her out, his hands tucked in his pockets, the quiet center of a brewing storm.
[LIVE — "Unknown at Grand Nova Mall"]Viewers: 7.2K and rising fast.
The chat went wild almost instantly.
@cynicalbyte: Who is this guy?? Why aren't they showing his face? He definitely owes me $5.@luxlover22: Wait… are those Ferrard shoes??@CherryMint: Is he richi-rich or influencer-rich?@streamqueen: That's quiet money. The kind that doesn't talk — it breathes.
@BrokeBot: I accidentally clicked this stream. Now I feel physical pain
Lina's voice came through the stream, smooth and confident."Alright, everyone. We're live at Grand Nova Mall — just a normal day for some, a dream for others. No names, no faces, just pure lifestyle."
Edward moved through the polished corridors like he'd been born there. The stores noticed — or rather, felt his presence. Polite nods, quiet greetings, subtle glances. His calm aura was enough to command attention.
Ferrard Atelier — Designer Collection
Their first stop was Ferrard Atelier, the kind of boutique that produced only five hundred pieces a year. The manager himself came forward, clearly sensing that this was no ordinary client.
"Good evening, sir. Would you like to view our private line?"
Edward nodded. "Show me."
The manager led them through racks of tailored suits and minimalist coats. Edward didn't waste time — he picked out two black suits, a navy one, several shirts, a trench coat, and three pairs of Ferrard loafers.
"How much for the full collection?"
The manager blinked. "Total comes to around $185,000, sir."
"Wrap them," Edward said simply. "Deliver to my address."
Lina whispered to the camera, "He didn't even blink."
@RichTea: $185K??That's the entire budget for my life until I die!
@CynicalBite: Nah, this isn't flexing. This is domination.@AskMyLandlord: Can he buy me a new personality? Mine is broke.
Edward turned to Lina. "Is this loud enough?"
She smirked. "Oh, you're loud, trust me."
Velion House — Shoes & Accessories
Next stop: Velion House. The air smelled of leather and expensive polish.
Edward scanned the displays, pointed at two pairs of custom sneakers — white and charcoal — and a rare Velion duffel bag.
"Those three."
The salesman hesitated. "Sir, that's about $70,000 total."
"Put it on the same card," Edward said flatly.
Lina bit her lip to hide a smile. "You realize the internet's losing its mind, right?"
@UrbanBite: He's collecting Infinity Stones of fashion.One snap of his fingers and poof poverty disappears.@StealthMode: His hands look rich. I'd worship them.@QueenLuxe: I'd sell my soul to hold that bag. Maybe his too.@SectLeader: Begone, foul creature.
Edward glanced at the scrolling comments and smiled faintly. "They're quick."
Lina laughed. "Welcome to fame."
Chronos & Veil — The Watch Hall
The lights dimmed, the air turning cooler. Each display inside Chronos & Veil gleamed like a tiny galaxy — watches that could buy houses.
Edward's gaze locked on the Chronos Emperor IX — black sapphire dial, dark-gold edges.
"How much?"
"1.2 million," the salesman said nervously.
"I'll take it. And that one too," Edward pointed to a rose-gold Chronos Éclaire Femme. "It's a gift."
Lina froze mid-recording. "Wait, what—"
Edward handed the second box to her. "For you."
She blinked. "Me?"
"You earned it," he said, smiling lightly.
"I… I can't accept this."
"You can," he replied. "It's not like I'm losing anything. Sugar promised the money I spend will come back. Besides, who knows — maybe this small gift will get me a bonus reward."
Lina's breath hitched — half laughing, half stunned.
The chat exploded.
@Moonfall: HE JUST GAVE HER A $400K WATCH LIVE.@MarbleMuse: My soul just left my body. I'm now watching this stream from the afterlife.@JetLagged: This guy is a walking bank.
Lina shook her head, muttering, "You're impossible."
Edward smiled faintly. "You said generosity trends."