10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine

I blinked awake to see a familiar blue box floating in front of my face.

[Stamp Obtained Successfully!]

The light of dawn seeped through the floor-to-ceiling windows, painting a box a shade of yellow.

I sat up and the screen moved, keeping pace with my head. With a wave, I dismissed the notification.

This was another step forward. Another piece added to the empire I was building. All I needed to do was find the remaining stamp holders and seduce them. Then, I'll have all I need to guarantee that I come out on top.

My gaze shifted to Astoria beside me, her dark hair splayed across the pillow, her breathing slow and steady in the quiet morning.

The events of last night played through my mind in flashes. The music, the drinks, the laughter. The way we moved together on the dance floor like we'd always been doing this.

The way her nails dug into my back as she whispered things in my ear that weren't meant to leave the dark.

A smile came upon my face until I remembered that we'd both had drinks and yet, I'd let her drive. It turned out well today but who knows what would happen next time.

Would there even be a next time?

Slipping out of bed, I padded barefoot across the cold tiled floor to the ensuite bathroom. The shower was hot and I stood under it, enjoying the view of the steam curling around me.

With a thought, another screen appeared in front of me.

[Would you like to receive your rewards now?]

[Yes/No.]

I clicked yes.

[Processing reward…]

Astoria doesn't seem like the kind of woman who would have debts. I know I should've done my due diligence before going through with this but there was no reason to fear.

[Calculating reward…]

This time, I trust my gut.

[Assets calculated.]

[Liabilities calculated.]

[Debts calculated.]

[Net worth: $300 million.]

[Reward: $3 billion.]

Fuck yeah!

With that $3 billion, I should be able to add a few more locations to Sunset Inn. The boutique hotel had already started operations and I'd been pleasantly surprised by how much positive reception I'd been having.

"Status."

[Status Screen]

[Name: Nicholas Voss]

[Cashback Rate: 10x (Base Rate)]

[Stamps collected: 22/99]

[Assets: $32.41 billion]

[Liquidity: $3.1 billion]

[Liabilities: N/A]

[Net Worth: $35.5 billion]

[Total Cashback earned: $34.570 billion]

[Pending Cashback: N/A]

So, the reward would come in the form of cash? Beautiful.

I chuckled to myself. Three billion in exchange for one night. A hell of a return.

By the time I finished and stepped out, the water beading off my skin, I felt lighter. More focused.

I quickly dressed in my suit, which still looked perfect. Remember boys, power is perception, and I had no intention of leaving looking anything but in control.

Astoria stirred as I adjusted my cuffs, blinking herself awake. Her eyes found me, and a slow, lazy smile curved her lips. "Leaving already?"

I met her gaze, fastening my watch. "Business waits for no one. Expect to see a proposal from Imperium Holdings soon."

She stretched languidly, the sheets slipping slightly. "Bold of you to assume I'll even read it."

I smirked. "You will."

She let out a soft laugh, sitting up. "You're dangerous, Nico."

"You already said that last night."

She chuckled at my words and just watched as I walked toward the door. "Enjoy your empire building, Mr. Voss."

I glanced back over my shoulder, giving her one last smirk. "Always."

I left her penthouse and took the elevator down to the parking lot where my car was already waiting. It had been brought here for me, courtesy of Astoria.

I slid into the driver's seat and fired up the engine, taking a moment to enjoy the growls of the beast. I'd have to get a more inconspicuous car for more… private dealings but this would do for now.

The city was already waking up as I pulled into the road. I went through my plans as I drove back home.

I was stalling.

A year had passed and while I had claimed twenty two stamps, I hadn't really done anything. All I had was a $29.4 billion holding company and a $3 billion stake in Apex Investment's Social Impact Division under my name.

Yes, trying to remove Jasmine off the board had seemed important at the time but now, I saw how that was stupid. Why fight a stupid battle when I could just stamp enough ladies and buy out the company?

Well, I'd learned my lesson and knew this wasn't the time to look after other people's business.

Imperium Holdings needed to be restructured for future acquisitions, and if I finally get Matt officially on board, I could focus on long-term planning.

But first, I had to get home and prepare.

By the time I stepped into my penthouse, I could feel a calm washing over me like a comforting blanket. Then, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Matt.

I answered immediately. "You're up early."

"Didn't sleep much." He admitted and I could hear the excitement in his voice. "I've made my decision."

I leaned against the kitchen counter, a knowing smirk forming. "And?"

"I'm in."

Satisfaction curled in my chest. "Good choice."

Matt exhaled, as if settling something within himself. "I spent the night thinking about it, and the truth is, there's no one else I'd rather work with."

"I could spend years climbing the corporate ladder at some faceless company, but that's not what I want. I want to build something real. Something that means something. And if I'm doing that, I want to do it with you."

Right at that moment, I appreciated his loyalty more than ever and swore to never take it for granted.

"You won't regret this decision, Matt. Meet me at Imperium Holdings this afternoon. We'll make it official."

"I'll be there."

"Dress sharp. We make first impressions count."
Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire

Matt chuckled. "You really think I'd show up looking like a college grad?"

I laughed. "Just making sure. See you soon."

As I ended the call, I glanced around my penthouse, taking the beautiful morning view of the city stretching from the windows.

Two victories in twenty-four hours.

Not bad at all.