She slid into the seat across from him, draping one leg over the other as she crossed her arms.

    "I don''t like waiting," she said coolly.

    Zack chuckled. "I''d be worried if you did." He motioned to the bartender, who immediately stepped forward. "What are you drinking?"

    "Not here to drink," she said, giving him a pointed look.

    Zack smirked, swirling his whiskey. "Loosen up, will you? It''s just a chat. One drink won''t kill you."

    Vanessa rolled her eyes but finally sighed. "Fine. Vodka. No ice."

    The bartender nodded and left, and Zack leaned back, studying her. "You know, you''re really bad at small talk."

    "I don''t waste time on pointless things," she shot back. "Let''s get to the reason I''m here."

    "Straight to business, huh?" Zack mused. He took a slow sip of his whiskey before setting the glass down. "Alright. The race."

    Vanessa raised a brow. "You''re actually serious about this? Your little friend — the bike guy — is supposed to challenge me?"

    Zack''s grin didn''t waver. "Ethan''s more than just a ''bike guy.'' He knows speed. He understands control. And if there''s anyone who can give you a run for your money, it''s him."

    Vanessa leaned back against the plush leather seat, one arm draped casually over the backrest as she eyed Zack with skepticism.

    The bartender set her vodka down, but she didn''t reach for it. Instead, she crossed one leg over the other, tapping her fingers lightly against her knee.

    "What''s in it for me?" she asked, her tone sharp.

    Zack''s smirk widened, and he took his time swirling the amber liquid in his glass before answering.

    "Bragging rights," he said smoothly. "The satisfaction of proving you''re the best. Isn''t that enough for a racer like you?"

    Vanessa scoffed, her expression turning to one of mild amusement. "Bragging rights?" she echoed. "I don''t get in my car for free just to put some random guy in his place. If there''s no profit, I''m out."

    She picked up her glass then, taking a slow sip before setting it back down with a soft clink. "Nice try, Zack, but I don''t race for fun."

    Zack let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Knew you''d say that." Without hesitation, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, and met her gaze. "Fine. Let''s make it interesting — I''ll put fifty grand on Ethan''s win."

    Vanessa raised a brow. "Fifty grand?"

    "You heard me." He leaned back with an easy confidence, as if fifty thousand dollars was pocket change.

    #####

    Ethan exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair as he stepped out of the real estate office.

    Another deal closed. Another rundown apartment building added to his growing list of properties. The system had made this all too easy.

    He barely had to think about it — find a neglected building, purchase it for dirt cheap, renovate it to modern standards, and sell it for a small fortune.

    "It''s like a cheat code," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

    The thought amused him, but it was the truth.

    In just a short time, he had amassed more wealth than most people would see in their lifetime. And the best part? This was just the tip of the iceberg.

    Slipping his phone out of his pocket, he scrolled through his contacts and pressed a name he had dialed many times before.

    Marty picked up on the second ring.

    "Boss?"

    "Just closed another deal," Ethan said, stepping toward his car. "I need you to handle the usual—get the paperwork in order, start on the renovations, and have a team assess the place."

    Marty let out a low whistle. "Another one already? You don''t mess around, do you?"

    Ethan chuckled as he slid into the driver''s seat. "I don''t like wasted time. And neither should you."

    "Fair enough," Marty replied. "I''ll get on it first thing in the morning."

    "Good," Ethan said, starting the car. "I''ll check in later."

    With that, he ended the call and leaned back against the seat for a moment, rubbing his temples. It had been a long day, and exhaustion was beginning to creep in.

    He needed to get home, clear his head, and recharge before jumping into the next phase of his plans.

    The streets were quiet as he drove through the city, the bright lights reflecting off the sleek surface of his Porsche.

    The engine hummed beneath him, a comforting sound in the otherwise silent night. He barely paid attention to the admiring glances his car drew as he navigated toward his mansion.

    By the time he pulled into the driveway and stepped out, the weight of the day finally settled in his bones.

    He made his way inside, tossing his keys onto the counter before heading straight to his chair in the living room.

    The moment he sat down, his phone buzzed. He groaned, half tempted to ignore it, but when he saw Zack''s name flashing on the screen, he sighed and answered.