Urban Plundering: I Corrupted The System!

Chapter 99 Choice—Life Long Choices 2

The next morning arrived with quiet efficiency, just as Parker preferred. The gates of the mansion eased open after facial recognition scanned the new arrivals. The estate, still bathed in the soft glow of morning, felt vast and tranquil, the scent of freshly tended gardens lingering from the previous day's work.

Victoria had everything prepared to the letter. The head maid and the kitchen maid stood near the entrance, side by side, professional yet subtly curious. Parker's gaze was distant but observant as he studied the two he'd chosen from the profiles.

The head maid, a woman of 27, had a commanding presence despite her calm demeanor. Her dark hair was neatly styled, and her uniform—tailored yet modest—fit her professional aura perfectly.

She carried herself with the kind of quiet authority that spoke of competence, the "big sister" type who naturally took charge without raising her voice. Stoic, serious, yet with an underlying sense of warmth reserved for those who earned it.

She seemed the kind who never tolerated half-measures and took personal pride in excellence.

Beside her stood the kitchen maid, younger—just 18. She was adorable in a quiet, careful way. Her posture slightly more reserved, movements precise as if second-guessing herself, but her composure never faltered. The soft nervousness wasn't from inexperience but perfectionism, the kind that wanted to avoid even the smallest mistakes. And Parker recognized her.

Silverbrook High.

She was a classmate. Someone he'd seen in the background but never paid attention to. Memory served him too well for that face to be a coincidence. Cropped out, forgotten, yet now standing before him.

What were the odds?

Silverbrook didn't breed mediocrity, and Victoria's standards were cutthroat. So for this girl to be in the list, either it was a statistical fluke—or she was genuinely exceptional at her work. Zero or one. Parker didn't believe in flukes.

He hadn't hired her out of sentiment, though. No, she was skilled. And her kind? Quiet, diligent, seeking validation through competence—they were the easiest to instill loyalty in. No arrogance. No unnecessary noise. Just focus.@@@@

Exactly what he needed.

His gaze flicked over their system statuses, confirming his instincts with a nod. No unnecessary chatter, no drawn-out introductions. Just business.

Victoria spoke efficiently. "These are the staff you approved. Head maid will oversee all domestic matters, while the kitchen maid is also a private chef, as you requested. The other three will be part-time, and I've secured live-out arrangements for the caretaker as per your preferences."

"Perfect."

The women bowed slightly in respect, but he noticed how their eyes lingered on him—especially the younger one—curiosity mixed with disbelief. He knew the look well. How the hell did a guy their age own all this? But she didn't seem to recognize him, that was a plus for now.

Perception, awareness, instinct. All amplified.

The mansion's layout, the faint footsteps of Naomi moving in the kitchen, the distant hum of the fountains in the garden—he felt it all. His mind expanded, clearer than crystal, thoughts more precise.

His skin tingled with the sheer density of power. Strength. Speed. Reflexes. His body practically thrummed with it.

If he punched the wall right now, he knew he could blast a hole straight through solid steel.

Yet he remained seated. Focused. Letting the energy settle. Control was everything. This was power—but raw, unstable. He needed it honed. Refined. The feeling was... intoxicating. But dangerous.

After what felt like hours, Parker finally exhaled, grounding himself. The energy simmered beneath his skin now, steady but present.

He needed to get used to this. This feeling.

Stretching his limbs, he rose from the floor, the quiet sound of his feet on polished wood the only noise. A long, hot shower followed, the water refreshing yet unable to wash away the intensity of the power lingering in his veins.

Dressing in a casual yet expensive dark ensemble—fitted slacks, a tailored black shirt left slightly undone—he descended the grand staircase to the main floor, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the mansion's natural fragrances.

Naomi had already prepared a modest spread in the dining room, though he barely spared it a glance. His focus shifted elsewhere.

Parker felt like he had just wasted the last two days since receiving his system and powers.

He hadn't trained, fought, or accomplished anything significant—just drifting through calm routines while the mansion settled. Yet, somehow, this rest felt necessary.

Like the quiet before a storm.

Because after this...

He was about to face the greatest challenge of his life so far: The Blackwoods.

"Elena."

His voice echoed slightly, calm yet authoritative.