Chapter 3 World Domination

• As they spoke, the door creaked open, and in walked a stunning girl. Her hair was tied up in a sleek ponytail, with round sunglasses resting against her fair skin. She stepped in, still absorbed in her phone.
• “Vivian, it's been a while,” Jaziel said, rising from the couch.
• It was only then that Vivian looked up. Her beautiful eyes widened with surprise when they landed on Jaziel.
• Vivian studied her cousin, whom she hadn't seen in three years. As a child, she used to trail behind Jaziel constantly, always eager to spend time with him. But as the years passed, their lives had drifted in different directions.
• After hanging her bag on the coat rack, Vivian noticed a box of Earl Grey tea near the door. Her curiosity piqued, she picked it up and opened it. Almost immediately, a frown appeared on her face.
• “Is this tea even drinkable?” she asked, her tone laced with disdain. “The packaging looks so cheap, and the tea's all black.” She put the box down with an expression of clear distaste, as though it were beneath her standards.
• A few days ago, she had accompanied a friend to an upscale tea shop, where the packaging was elegant and luxurious—nothing like the humble box Jaziel had brought.
• “Your cousin just got out of prison and doesn't have much to his name. It's the thought that counts, not the packaging,” Susannah chided.
• Vivian stuck out her tongue playfully, then sauntered over to the couch, flopping down casually.
• The sternness in Timothy's expression softened slightly as he gazed at his daughter, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
• Lunch was served swiftly, and the family gathered around the table. Timothy poured himself a glass of wine and turned his attention to his daughter. “Vivi, you've just started your internship, and now the company's changed hands. How's work been treating you?”
• Vivian, busy piling food onto her plate, smiled. “It's been great. The benefits at Dominion Group have improved a lot compared to before. You've got to hand it to them—they know how to throw money around. When they bought out Flora Group, they offered twenty percent above the asking price. Our old boss was speechless!”
• She paused, glancing at her father with a mischievous grin. “Oh, and guess what, Dad? The new boss of Dominion Group came by for an inspection today. Can you guess how old he is?”
• “Someone who can buy a company for twenty billion must be at least in their forties or fifties, right?” Timothy guessed, raising an eyebrow.
• Vivian shook her head, wagging her finger playfully. “Nope, wrong guess! The owner of Dominion Group is only in his twenties.”
• Both Timothy and Susannah exchanged surprised looks, clearly taken aback by the revelation. Meanwhile, Jaziel, quietly picked up a piece of chicken and placed it on his plate, his expression unreadable.
• “Surprised, right?” Vivian continued, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Even our colleagues were shocked. It's just a pity the boss only went to the top floor before leaving. None of us got a chance to meet him or see what this young prodigy looks like.”
• Jaziel listened quietly as his cousin unknowingly spoke about him. He felt a bit awkward, but he didn't show it.
• After lunch and a brief chat with his aunt, Jaziel decided it was time to leave.
• As he was about to go, Susannah, her concern evident, asked, “Jaz, do you have a place to stay?”
• Jaziel smiled reassuringly. “Don't worry, Aunt Susannah. I've already rented a house.”
• After Jaziel left, Timothy turned to Susannah, his expression stern. “Susannah, you need to think before you speak. The company isn't just mine to control. Your nephew just got out of prison, remember? I can't just let anyone waltz into the business.”
• Susannah's face immediately darkened. “What's wrong with helping my nephew? He's family! Is it such a big deal to ask you to arrange a job for him?”
• The tension between them quickly escalated, and soon they were caught in a heated argument.
• Vivian, sitting nearby, felt overwhelmed by the noise. Fed up, she grabbed her bag and decided to go shopping with her best friend.
• After leaving Susannah's place, Jaziel made his way to Lakefield Estates, an upscale neighborhood lined with luxurious mansions. One of these properties was among the many gifts Silas had prepared for him.
• As he approached the entrance, the quiet streets were briefly disturbed by the roar of an SUV speeding by. Glancing over, Jaziel caught a glimpse of the figure inside—it looked unmistakably like Selina.
• “Does she live here too?” Jaziel muttered in surprise. How uncanny—to run into her three times in a single day.
• Shaking his head, he continued through the gates.
• The mansion was a sight to behold. Its crimson walls and dark tiles gave it an ancient, dignified feel. Intricately carved railings framed the entry, and jade-like pillars supported the ornate structure. Two imposing stone lions flanked the entrance, their gaze fierce, as if guarding the place with an air of unshakable authority. Above the grand doors, the phrase “World Domination” gleamed in bold, gold-embossed letters.
• Seeing the bold inscription, Jaziel found himself momentarily speechless.
• There was no mistaking it—this was Silas's doing. Naming the newly acquired company “Dominion Group” and now branding the villa with a similar theme spoke volumes about Silas' aspirations for him. It was a grand, almost overwhelming gesture.
• Yet, despite the extravagance, a warm feeling stirred in Jaziel's chest. Silas wasn't just giving him material wealth; he was investing in him, placing his trust and expectations squarely on his shoulders.
• Meanwhile, Vivian was sharing her frustrations with her best friend, Sophie Zaltman, at a chic café. Vivian sighed heavily. “Sophie, it's so frustrating—my parents had another argument.”
• “What's wrong?” Sophie, dressed in a stylish light yellow mini skirt, radiated a blend of maturity and confidence. She looked elegant even when sipping her coffee.
• “It's all because of my cousin who just got out of prison. My mom wants him to work at my dad's company, but my dad's not on board. Their arguing has given me a massive headache.”
• “Ah, I see.” Sophie smiled sympathetically. “But don't worry—Caleb has been thinking about how to impress you lately. Just give him a chance, and he'll handle everything for your cousin.”
• When Caleb's name came up, Vivian's eyes lit up.
• She had recently met Caleb Zillen, a wealthy young heir who had been pursuing her.
• “Is it really okay?” Vivian asked, her uncertainty clear.
• “Of course it is,” Sophie said with confidence. “If you're uncomfortable making the call, I can do it for you.”
• With that, Sophie promptly pulled out her cellphone.
• After a quick conversation, Sophie's face lit up with excitement. “Vivian, Caleb just told me they're training at the boxing studio downtown and asked us to go over. Call your cousin and ask him to join us.”
• At that moment, Jaziel was gazing out the window when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen and saw Vivian's name.
• “Jaziel, are you free right now? I need to talk to you about something. Could you come by Supreme Boxing Studio downtown?”
• “All right.” Jaziel ended the call and put his phone away.
• Vivian had always been the cousin he was closest to during their childhood. With his schedule open, he decided to head over to Supreme Boxing Studio.
• After leaving Lakefield Estates, he caught a taxi and soon arrived at the studio, where Vivian and Sophie were waiting at the entrance.
• When Jaziel stepped out of the car, Vivian quickly introduced him to Sophie before they all entered the boxing studio together. The studio was located in the basement, where the sounds of punches and grunts filled the air. Inside, two young men were engaged in an intense bout in the ring.
• “You made it!” A tall, well-built young man with a confident smile approached them. His eyes, while warm and welcoming, held a trace of intensity as they briefly assessed Jaziel. His gaze then lingered on Vivian with evident fondness.
• “This must be Jaziel,” Caleb said with a friendly smile, extending his hand. “You can count on me.”
• Vivian quickly responded, “I really appreciate your help.”
• Caleb chuckled, a smug grin on his face. “It's no trouble at all. No need to be so formal with me.”
• In the distant audience, a few young men were whispering and pointing at Vivian.
• “That new girl Caleb's into is quite stunning. It won't be long before she sleeps with him,” one of them remarked.
• “Definitely. Caleb's got a knack for charming women,” another agreed.
• “And some girls just dream of marrying into wealth without considering their own backgrounds. Caleb's already engaged, so he's just playing around,” said a third, shrugging.
• The basement was noisy and crowded, making it difficult for Vivian to catch the details of the conversation from where she stood.
• However, Jaziel's brow furrowed as he clearly overheard the whispers.