Los Angeles – Boyle Heights
Tuesday, 8:23 a.m.
Liam opened his eyes slowly. Morning light filtered through the window of the small room, forcing him to squint as he sat up heavily. He rubbed his face… and then noticed it: he was still wearing the clothes from the night before.
He didn't remember undressing, much less taking a shower. The excitement had completely overtaken him.
He could only hope it hadn't all been a dream.
He jolted upright and grabbed his phone from the table.
8:24 a.m.
"Shit…"
His mother must have already left for work. He didn't hear any noise in the apartment, which confirmed it. With slightly trembling hands, he opened his banking app.
The number appeared on the screen.
Balance: $150,367.
The money hadn't disappeared.
As he stared at the balance, a doubt crossed his mind.
Will the system always activate at the same time… at night?
Before he could think any further, a message appeared floating in front of him.
[Login Successful]
Reward: McLaren 720S
Status: Available in the penthouse parking garage
Liam blinked several times.
"A… supercar?"
Suddenly, he felt a strange weight in his pants pocket. He slowly slipped his hand inside and froze when he pulled it out.
A car key. Black. Sleek.
His heart began to pound.
This… this is insane, he thought.
He jumped to his feet and went straight to the closet. He didn't have many options, but he chose the best he owned: a clean white T-shirt, a black jacket, and matching pants. He grabbed a towel and hurried out of the room toward the bathroom.
After showering and getting dressed, Liam picked up his phone, the property documents, and the key. He also took his wallet, with the little cash still inside.
Without wasting time, he rushed out of the small apartment.
Once outside, he headed toward the bus stop, glancing both ways in case a taxi passed by that could take him straight to his destination.
He didn't have to wait long.
A yellow cab stopped in front of him.
Liam got in and was greeted by an older man behind the wheel.
"Good morning," the driver said as he turned on the meter. "Where to?"
"900 West First Street, Downtown," Liam replied firmly.
The driver glanced at him in the rearview mirror, slightly surprised, but nodded.
"That'll be twenty dollars."
Liam handed over the cash without another word.
Soon after, they arrived at the destination.
When he got out, Liam looked up… and for a moment, he was speechless.
Before him stood a massive, elegant building with a glass façade. The entrance was bustling with activity: men and women coming and going in expensive clothes, perfectly tailored suits. Several women with slender figures and refined features, almost model-like.
This is another world… Liam thought, feeling out of place for a moment.
He swallowed and forced himself to walk toward the entrance.
The automatic doors opened silently, revealing a spacious lobby illuminated by modern lamps and decorated with polished marble.
At the main desk, he saw a woman seated behind the reception counter. She looked to be in her early thirties, wearing a fitted business suit: a black blazer over a white blouse that highlighted her cleavage, dark hair pulled back into an elegant bun. Her pale skin and well-defined red lips stood out sharply.
Liam took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Good morning," the receptionist greeted him with a professional smile. "How may I help you?"
He inhaled again, steadying himself. "Uh… I'm here about the penthouse. It's under the name Liam Carter. That's me." He handed over the documents, his hands slightly shaking.
She reviewed them, her fingers flying across the keyboard, and then her expression changed. The professional smile shifted into something subtly flirtatious.
"So you're the owner of the penthouse," she said, lifting her gaze slowly.
Liam felt his stomach tighten. "Y-yes," he managed to say.
"Well…" Her voice softened, almost a whisper. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Carter. Welcome."
He wasn't used to talking to women—much less one this beautiful. Holding her gaze was difficult.
"Thank you…" he replied, his voice barely audible.
She bit her lower lip, clearly amused by his shyness. "If you'd like, I can personally escort you to your penthouse. It's your first visit, right?" She leaned forward slightly, the gesture accentuating the curve of her chest.
Liam's heart started racing.
"Y-yes… if it's not a problem."
"Not at all," she replied with a crooked smile. "Just a moment." She turned to a coworker at another desk. "Elena, can you cover for me a few minutes? I'm going to show the new penthouse owner around."
Elena raised an eyebrow, then smiled knowingly. "Sure."
The receptionist walked around the desk. Now Liam could see her fully: the black skirt hugging her hips, long legs wrapped in sheer stockings, heels enhancing her figure. Up close, her perfume was subtle and elegant. Liam stiffened unconsciously as his eyes traced her.
"This way, Mr. Carter," she said with a playful smile.
"Right," he replied quickly.
They walked together toward the private elevator. She swiped a black card over the reader and pressed the "PH" button. The doors closed, leaving them alone in the quiet ascent.
"This is the penthouse access card," she said gently, offering it to him. "Only you can use it. Without it, the elevator won't go to your floor, and the penthouse door won't open either."
Liam reached out and took the card.
"Th-thank you."
"You're welcome."
The elevator rose silently. Liam stared straight ahead, unsure where to put his hands. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye… then decided to break the ice.
"I have to admit, we don't get a new penthouse owner every day," she said lightly. "And especially not someone so young."
Liam swallowed.
"Yeah… I guess I got lucky."
"What do you do, if you don't mind me asking?" she said with genuine curiosity. "I mean…" she smiled subtly, "not just anyone can afford a place like this."
A small knot formed in Liam's stomach. He couldn't tell the truth, so he improvised.
"Cryptocurrency," he said. "Investments… you know."
She raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Ah… crypto," she repeated, intrigued. "I've heard it can be very profitable… and very risky."
"Yeah… it's pretty unstable," he replied, trying to sound natural. "But… it's worked out for me."
She studied him for a moment, as if trying to read him, then smiled.
"Then congratulations. Not many can say that."
Liam looked away, a little nervous.
"And you?" he asked suddenly, trying not to sound awkward. "Have you always worked here?"
She smiled kindly.
"I'm Jessica. Jessica Miller."
"Liam," he replied, even though he knew she already knew.
Jessica let out a soft laugh.
"I know, Liam."
He felt his cheeks warm.
"I've worked at the front desk for three years," she continued. "I like it. You meet interesting people."
The elevator slowed. A light displayed "PH."
"We've arrived," she said softly.
The doors slid open.
Ahead of them, a quiet hallway led to the only door on the floor. Jessica stepped back slightly, inviting him to go first.