Chapter 77: The Cassandra Reunion again

"Vincent Halbert is the owner of Future Technologies. He’s powerful and protected at every level. He’s been using the Beta version to milk the market, thinking he has the full picture," Jason explained grimly.

[Oh, look at the little market app doing its little market tricks. So cute! My pet rock has more processing power!] The System scoffed in Ethan’s mind.

"His son, Lucas Halbert, is the weak point," Jason continued. "He manages a shell consulting firm that funnels government money. Lucas’s company is systematically inflating the stock of a defense tech supplier to defraud taxpayers on government contracts. Vincent is still doing the same illegal schemes, only with inferior code."

"If we call the authorities, they’ll deny it. They’ll cover it up," Jason observed.

"We won’t call the police. We’ll use this Final Version to predict the exact moment that stock is most vulnerable. We’ll pull the plug, trigger a collapse, and the resulting financial scandal will drag the company, Lucas Halbert, and, by extension, Vincent himself down. He’ll lose everything," Ethan laid out the plan.

"A financial hit, not a bullet. Much more elegant," Jason agreed, a slow, predatory smile forming on his face. "And it proves the superiority of your father’s final work."

"And we won’t lose money on it. We’ll use the software to bet against them in the market. The moment they crash, we don’t just destroy Vincent—we make billions," Ethan finished.

[I like it. Vengeance that pays. The most lustful and greedy vengeance of all, Champion.] The System applauded, its mocking voice tinged with approval.

"For this to work, we need a legitimate front company. Lena can handle the finances, but I need an operating partner—someone who can run the tech side while I’m at MIT. Do you know anyone?" Ethan asked, scratching his head thoughtfully.

"Boss, you know I don’t trust anyone but you and your father. I don’t know anyone who could run a legal business, let alone something this volatile," Jason replied honestly.

"No problem. We have time. We’ll figure it out," Ethan concluded, closing the laptop with a decisive click.

Barely a second after that click, a loud commotion and hysterical shouts echoed down the hallway.

"Get the hell out of here! You’re not welcome, you damn whore!" a man’s voice roared.

"You owe me that money, you bastard!" a powerful woman’s voice replied, laced with fury and pain. "At least you’ll have your money to pay for care! I hope it’s enough for a nurse to wipe your ass and care for you one-thousandth of the time I suffered because of you!"

"You’ll never get a cent from me! It’s my money, mine!" the man bellowed.

Ethan and Jason exchanged glances. Jason nodded. They opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.

The Landlord, the man who had just sold the building out of sheer panic, was in a violent tug-of-war with a woman. She was tall, dressed simply, but radiated a fury that matched the thugs. When the woman turned, Ethan instantly recognized her: it was Cassandra.

She was a perfect MILF stunning with large breasts, generous hips, and thick brown hair that cascaded down to her waist. Ethan felt a familiar jolt of affection; she was his first sexual experience, and despite their fierce argument just a week ago, a lingering warmth remained.

The Landlord was so absorbed in his struggle for the money that he didn’t notice Ethan and Jason’s presence until Cassandra shoved him. It took the Landlord a second to register that the man in the impeccable suit, to whom he had just sold his life, was right behind him.

His face went white as paper. "M-Mr. Blake! My sincerest apolo-g-gies! I... I didn’t mean to cause a scene!" the Landlord stammered.

The Landlord’s terror was absolute. He didn’t wait for a response. He simply turned and fled down the stairs without looking back, his apologies swallowed by his frantic scramble.

Cassandra froze, watching the greasy Landlord vanish. She turned toward Ethan, not recognizing the millionaire behind the tailored suit. To her, he was just another high-class tenant she had disturbed.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," Cassandra said, giving a quick, respectful little bow. "I just came to get some of my clothes from the apartment. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I won’t be in your way for long."

Ethan looked at Jason, and Jason caught the message.

"I’ll go buy some boxes to take the important stuff, Boss," Jason said, speaking low for only Ethan to hear. "I’ll be a while."

Jason withdrew, leaving Ethan alone with Cassandra.

Ethan smiled softly, taking a step toward her. "Hello, Cassandra. How have you been?"

She flinched slightly, still not recognizing him. "I don’t know what you’re talking about, young man. I’m sorry if my presence disturbs you. I won’t be here for long," she repeated, her voice tinged with resignation.

[Hehehe! Look at her, she won’t be here for long... exactly like you, hahahaha!] The System mocked, only for Ethan’s mental ear.

"I’m not that fast anymore," Ethan retorted mentally to the System, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Now women surrender under my dick."

[You have a point there, Champion. You should tell her that. Last time you were with her, you lasted about as long as a person skips a YouTube ad.] The System’s jab was sharp.

Ethan ignored the System, stepping closer to Cassandra. "It’s me, Ethan. I was only gone for a week, and you don’t remember me?"

Cassandra’s eyes widened, a flicker of recognition, then disbelief. "Ethan...? No... it’s impossible. He wasn’t that..."

"Handsome? Sexy? Beautiful?" Ethan offered, a playful glint in his eye.

Cassandra blushed, then let out a soft laugh, covering her mouth. "Yes, I must say, you look very good. You don’t look like a skinny bum with barely any skin on his bones anymore."

[Hahaha! She described you perfectly! When I met you, you looked like a zombie. You could have auditioned for The Walking Dead; they’d definitely have given you a starring role... but as a zombie, hahahaha!] The System quipped in Ethan’s mind, making him fight to keep a straight face.