What if this skill could be cultivated, just like everything else? What if it could become something that multiplied not just his money, but his influence?
He exhaled again, slowly, thoughtfully. 10¢ richer with each breath.
A steady trickle of wealth, flowing with each inhale, each exhale.
“It’s poetic in a way. My existence is now profitable, as long as I breathe I’m making money.”
Noah glanced at his watch. Money would be waiting for him when the clock struck midnight, and he didn’t have to lift a finger.
“Not bad for pocket change,” he thought, as he headed towards the shower.
After stepping out of the shower, Noah grabbed one of his new Hermis outfits and slipped into it.
The fabric felt smooth against his skin. He adjusted his cuffs while glancing in the mirror for a moment.
Everything was in place.
Clean lines, sharp cut—a perfect reflection of control.
Noah’s gaze shifted outside, where his Lykan sat waiting.
His eyes narrowed as they fell on the tyres.
“They are worn, from the reckless drifting.” Noah thought, shaking his head.
“I’ll get them changed soon,” he thought, mentally adding it to his to-do list.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, he let the engine hum to life beneath him, the soft growl filling the air as he pulled away from the mansion.
The drive was smooth as always, but he noticed the slight slip in the tyres’ grip.
“Yeah, it’s time to change it.” He muttered.
As he approached the gate, Anderson was already on alert. Noah could see him in the distance, motioning to the guards to open the gate even before he arrived.
Efficient, exactly what Noah expected from him.
When Noah pulled closer, he gave Anderson a faint nod. Just enough to acknowledge the man’s efforts.
Anderson returned the gesture, his expression respectful.
As Noah drove past the gate, Anderson’s right hand unconsciously touched the tea bag.
***
In Amelia’s Room.
Her phone buzzed, as she scrolled on her phone whilst on bed.
“Noah <3" She quickly got up, fixed her posture and tapped to answer. "Hello? Noah?" came her slightly flustered voice. "Hi, it's me. Don't you have my number saved? I feel a bit betrayed right now," he teased, keeping his tone light, though there was a playful undertone. "No, no, it's not that! I was just surprised you called," she stammered, her tone shy, clearly flustered by her own awkwardness. Noah chuckled. "No worries, why wouldn't I call? I wanted to ask—you want to go out for dinner? How does that sound?" There was a pause on the other end. "Really? I would love to. Where do we meet?" Noah didn't hesitate. "No need to go anywhere. I'll pick you up. Just relax at home." Another pause. He could almost hear her blushing over the phone. "O-okay. What time?" she asked, her voice a mix of nervousness and subtle excitement. "I'll be at your place in 30 minutes," Noah replied, his grin widening as he heard her flustered reply. "Okay, see you soon!" she said hurriedly, her words tumbling over each other in her eagerness. Noah ended the call, tossing the phone onto the passenger seat. "Thirty minutes…" Noah thought, the corners of his lips twitching upward into a faint smirk. His hand gripped the steering wheel as the Lykan sped through the traffic. Thirty minutes later.. Noah found himself pulling up to the gated entrance, the guards were already well-versed to his presence, thanks to Adam's past instructions. "If you see Noah come over here again, just allow him in." *** The moment he saw the familiar sleek car, the guard leader stepped forward with a courteous smile. "Welcome, Mr Noah," he greeted, already signalling for the gate to be opened. Noah returned the smile. "Thank you," he replied smoothly, driving past the open gate and down towards Amelia's house. As he arrived at the mansion, the guards stationed outside recognised him instantly. One of them stepped forward. "Welcome, Mr. Noah. Mr. Adam isn't home at the moment. Would you like us to contact Miss Amelia?" Noah shook his head casually. "No need. She'll be out soon," he said, glancing at the door. The guard exchanged a knowing look with his companion. "This young man is really something," he thought. "He's already got the general's daughter wrapped around his finger." Of course, no one dared to say anything aloud. They were just here to serve. Noah reached for his phone and made a brief call. "Hello?" "I'm here," Noah said simply. "Waiting outside." "Okie! I'll be there in a minute," she chirped, excitement bubbling in her tone. Noah hung up and leaned back in his seat, watching the front entrance of the mansion. The door opened a moment later, and Amelia stepped out, wearing a white floral dress that perfectly complemented her pale complexion. Large shades covered her eyes, adding an extra flair to her overall look. As she descended the steps, the guards all nodded in respect, their voices in unison, "Good afternoon, Miss Amelia." She smiled warmly at them but quickly made her way to the car. Seeing Amelia leave the mansion, Noah got out of his seat and closed the door behind him. He stood in front of the passenger seat and opened the door for Amelia, who blushed slightly at his actions. "Welcome, My lady," he said courtly as he gestured for her to enter. "Thank you" Amelia replied as she slid into the passenger seat. Before they could leave, Noah noticed the guard car pulling up behind them. "Seems like we've got company," Noah muttered with a slight grin. Amelia sighed, already understanding what was happening. "No need for that, Uncle Frank," she said, waving dismissively toward the guard car. The older guard, Frank, hesitated. "But, Miss Amelia, General Adam gave us strict orders. We can't let you leave without an escort. You remember what happened the last time—" Amelia cut him off with a sigh. She glanced at Noah, then back at Frank. "If only you knew," she thought. "If you understood who's sitting next to me, you'd feel embarrassed thinking you could protect me better than him." "Fine," she relented. "I'll call my dad and clear this up." She pulled out her phone and dialled 'Dad'. It rang once before her father's familiar voice picked up. "Amelia? What's wrong? Do you need anything?" "Hey, Dad. I was planning to go out with Noah." she began, glancing at Noah as she spoke. "Uncle Frank says he can't let me leave without a bodyguard. I told him it's fine, but he wants to hear it from you. You did give him that command, after all." There was a brief pause on the other end. "You're with Noah?" Adam asked, his voice shifting slightly. "Yep, just me and Noah." "Frank," Adam's tone became authoritative. "Let her go. If Noah's with her, there's nothing to worry about." Frank, responded with a curt nod. "Understood, General." His face, a picture of professionalism, turned to Noah with a slight bow. "Apologies, Miss Amelia. Mr. Noah. Enjoy your time together." Amelia smiled at Frank before handing the phone over to Noah. "Dad wants to talk to you." Noah raised an eyebrow as he took the phone. "Hello, Mr. Noah," came Adam's voice from the other end, his tone casual but with an underlying weight. "How are you doing?" "Good evening, sir," Noah responded smoothly. "I'm doing well, thank you." Adam let out a small chuckle. "I hear you came to take my daughter out without asking me first. Isn't that a bit... bold?" Noah's lips curled slightly. "How could I, in fact, I was about to tell Amelia to call you to ask for your permission.." There was silence for a moment, and then Adam laughed again, this time louder. "Fair enough. Just take care of her. Noah… we'll talk more next time." Noah nodded, a small grin on his face as he handed the phone back to Amelia. She gave him a curious look but didn't ask, instead smiling as Noah shifted the car into gear. As they pulled away from the mansion, the guard car remained in place and Frank was watching from a distance. Noah glanced briefly in the rearview mirror, noticing how the guards remained attentive even after the command to stand down came from Adam. "They really don't let you go anywhere without a full entourage with you, do they?" Noah remarked, his voice light. Amelia laughed softly. "They're just doing what they were told. My dad's been a little... protective since the last incident." "I can see that, it's good though. We need to keep you safe from harm." Noah replied. His gaze remained steady on the road ahead, but his tone carried enough warmth that kept Amelia on edge. She felt the word "We" sink into her chest. "Does he mean... he also cares?" she thought, cheeks heating up as the blush spread to her ears. ... [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!] Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Creation is hard, cheer me up! CHECK OUT 'GLOBAL AWAKENING: STARTING WITH SSS SUMMON.'
