I woke to the insistent buzzing of my phone. Squinting at the screen, I saw Roman's na flashing, along with the ti: 6:30 AM. Too early for casual conversation.
"Roman?" I answered, my voice still rough with sleep.
"Liam!" His voice practically exploded through the speaker. "Those pills—they're incredible! I've never felt anything like it!"
I sat up, instantly more alert. "You took one?"
"Last night, right after I left you. I thought I was being scamd, but..." He paused, lowering his voice. "My cultivation improved more in one night than it has in months. My energy levels are through the roof. I feel like I could run a marathon!"
I smiled, satisfaction warming my chest. "I told you they were worth the price."
"Worth it? They're worth triple what I paid!" Roman exclaid. "And that's exactly what everyone's offering this morning. My phone hasn't stopped ringing since dawn."
This caught my attention. "Everyone? Who exactly?"
"Half of Havenwood's elite! I gave samples to a few key people last night—just to test the market, you understand. Now they're desperate for more. The Chen family is offering property deals. The Wangs want exclusive distribution rights. Even that old bastard Edmund Pierce called personally."
I processed this information, calculating quickly. "How many pills do you have left?"
"Seventeen. And I've got buyers willing to pay two million each."
"Interesting," I replied, mind racing. The market had responded even better than I'd anticipated. "I need to see you. Today."
Three hours later, Roman burst through my door, practically vibrating with energy. The effects of the pill were evident in his movents—more fluid, more confident than before.
"Liam, my friend!" He clapped on the shoulder with newfound familiarity. "You've made the most popular man in Havenwood overnight!"
"Sit," I suggested, gesturing to my modest living room furniture. "Tell everything."
Roman detailed the calls he'd received—the offers, the desperation, the promises. The city's influential families had all taken notice after just one night. So had even sent representatives to wait outside his ho.
"I've never seen anything like it," he admitted, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. "These people would mortgage their hos for another pill."
I nodded, having expected sothing like this, though the speed surprised . "I can make more."
Roman's eyes widened. "How many? How quickly?" R.e!ad&e*r^ suppo^rt^ at * mad@e th%is# t%r@a^nsl a@ti!on p^o^ssible^.$
"That depends," I replied carefully. "The price has increased."
"Increased?" Roman's enthusiasm dimd slightly. "By how much?"
"One hundred and sixty thousand per pill now."
Roman stared at for a long mont before bursting into laughter. "You're ruthless! But fair enough. At the prices I'm commanding, I'll still triple my investnt."
He extended his hand. "Deal. How soon can you have the next batch ready?"
"Three days for twenty more pills," I said, shaking his hand. "I'll need herbs, though. Quality ones."
Roman's brow furrowed. "My usual suppliers don't deal in the highest quality. For what you need..." He thought for a mont. "There's an auction house in South City. The Phoenix Pavilion. They specialize in rare herbs and cultivation materials. Not exactly legal, but their quality is unmatched."
I filed this information away. "I'll check it out."
Roman left with renewed energy and purpose, already making calls to organize his distribution network. I spent the afternoon examining my finances—suddenly much healthier—and planning my next moves.
That evening, my phone rang again. Isabelle's na on the screen made my heart beat faster.
"Liam," her voice ca through, smooth as silk. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
"Not at all," I replied, sitting up straighter despite being alone. "What can I do for you?"
"I have a business gathering tomorrow night at Riverside Villa," she said. "Unfortunately, I can't attend personally. I was hoping you might go in my place."
I hesitated. "Riverside Villa? Isn't that Julian Hawthorne's property?"
"It is," she confird. "Is that a problem?"
After our confrontation, Julian was the last person I wanted to see. "We didn't exactly part on friendly terms."
"I'm aware," Isabelle replied, and I could hear the smile in her voice. "Consider it a test."
A test. That shifted things considerably.
"What kind of test?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"Let's just say I'm interested in how you handle certain situations," she said enigmatically. "You've surprised before. I wonder if you'll do so again."
The challenge in her voice was unmistakable. Whatever ga she was playing, I found myself wanting to participate.
"What ti should I be there?" I asked.
"Eight o'clock. Dress formally." She paused. "And Liam? The guest list includes several people who might be valuable connections for your... pharmaceutical ventures."
My eyebrows rose. How did she know about my plans already?
"I'll be there," I promised.
"Excellent. I look forward to hearing how it goes."
The line went dead, leaving staring at my phone. Isabelle Ashworth continued to be an enigma—supportive one mont, testing the next. What exactly did she want from ?
The next evening found in a taxi heading toward the outskirts of the city. Riverside Villa sat on a sprawling estate along the river, far from the urban density of downtown Havenwood. I'd opted for a simple but elegant black suit—nothing flashy, but good enough to blend in with the wealthy crowd.
As the taxi approached, I caught my first glimpse of the villa through wrought-iron gates. The diterranean-style mansion was lit up like a jewel against the darkening sky, its reflection shimring in the river beyond. Luxury cars lined the circular driveway—Bentleys, Maseratis, and more than one Rolls Royce.
I paid the driver and stepped out, imdiately feeling underdressed despite my careful preparations. But as I took my first breath of the evening air, sothing else seized my attention completely.
Spiritual qi. Rich, abundant spiritual qi saturated the atmosphere.
I froze in place, montarily stunned. The concentration here was even greater than on the mountain where I'd been cultivating. How was this possible? Such energy should be found in places of natural power—ancient forests, mountain peaks, hidden valleys—not at a modern mansion hosting a society party.
Through the villa's wide windows, I could see the gathering in full swing. Elegant n and won mingled with drinks in hand, laughter spilling out into the night. Music and conversation blended together, creating a soundtrack of wealth and privilege.
Yet all I could focus on was the incredible energy surrounding this place. Whatever test Isabelle had sent to face, she couldn't have known about this. This discovery changed everything.
I took a deep breath, drawing in the qi-rich air, and started up the steps to the entrance. Behind the facade of this lavish party lay sothing far more valuable than business connections or social climbing.
The doorman gave a skeptical look as I approached, clearly wondering how I'd arrived in a taxi rather than one of the luxury vehicles. But when I stated my na and ntioned I was representing Isabelle Ashworth, his deanor changed instantly.
"Of course, Mr. Knight. Right this way," he said, suddenly deferential.
As I stepped across the threshold and into the heart of Julian Hawthorne's domain, the spiritual energy washed over in waves. I couldn't help but smile.
Whatever awaited inside, I had already discovered sothing potentially life-changing. The question now was: did Julian Hawthorne have any idea what treasure his property truly held?
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