I Breathe Euro

The golden glow of the chandeliers cast a warm light over the luxurious halls of Rosenberg Palace, illuminating the intricate details of its hand-carved marble walls and gold-leaf ceilings. Jack leaned back in the grand velvet chair of his private lounge, savoring the moment. Tonight wasn't about work, power, or ambition—it was about Emma.

She sat across from him, wrapped in a silk robe, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, eyes sharp yet filled with curiosity. She had always been the type of woman who listened not just to words, but to what lay beneath them.

Jack swirled his wine glass, watching the deep red liquid catch the light. "Emma, you've always understood me better than most," he said, his voice smooth but carrying an unmistakable weight. "That's why I need to tell you something—about what I've built."

Emma smirked, setting her glass down. "You always build something. The question is, how insane is it this time?"

Jack chuckled. "It's beyond insane. It's too good to be true."

Her interest piqued, she leaned forward. "Go on."

Jack took a slow breath. "I've created something the world has never seen before. Future Island."

Emma's eyes narrowed slightly. "Future Island?"

Jack nodded. "An island that doesn't just exist in the present—it exists ahead of time. The most advanced medical research centers, AI technology beyond anything on the market, and self-sustaining systems that make it a world of its own."

Emma studied him, trying to gauge if he was exaggerating. But this was Jack. If he said he had done it, then he had.

"So, a private utopia?" she mused, taking another sip of wine. "And what do you plan to do with it?"

Jack's lips curled into a confident smirk. "Change the world."

Emma exhaled, shaking her head with a small laugh. "You always talk like you're a god, Jack. But from what you're telling me… maybe you're getting closer to becoming one."

Jack leaned in slightly, his sharp gaze locking with hers. "Not a god, Emma. Just a man who refuses to be bound by limits."

A moment of silence passed between them, thick with unspoken emotions. Then, she set her glass aside and stood up, walking over to him.

She placed a hand on his chest, looking up at him with something between admiration and amusement. "So, what's my place in this Future Island of yours?"

Jack smirked, taking her hand in his. "That depends. Do you want to rule with me, or simply watch from the sidelines?"

Emma tilted her head, her emerald eyes flashing with intrigue. "You already know my answer, Jack."

He chuckled, pulling her closer. "Then pack your things. You're coming with me."

And just like that, Emma was no longer just a part of his past—she was coming into his future.

As dawn broke over Munich, the sleek Gulfstream G700 stood ready on the private airstrip, its engines humming softly. Inside the luxurious cabin, Jack sat comfortably in one of the reclining Italian leather seats, sipping a perfectly brewed cappuccino. Opposite him sat Katrina and Emma, two women who, despite their differences, had both become integral parts of his life.

Katrina, dressed in a chic white dress, leaned back with a smirk. "So, this is how it is now? We're just flying around the world in private jets like it's a casual road trip?"

Emma, ever composed, simply crossed her legs and gave her a sideways glance. "You're acting surprised, but let's be honest—you love it."

Jack chuckled, setting his cup down. "It's not just about luxury. It's about freedom. No restrictions, no limitations. Just going wherever I want, whenever I want."

Katrina rolled her eyes but smiled. "And today, we're going to Mumbai because…?"

Jack smirked. "Because we deserve a break. Future Island, research, power struggles—it can wait for a night."

Emma leaned forward, tapping her manicured nails on the armrest. "And what exactly do you have planned for us in Mumbai?"

Jack's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Trust me, you'll love it."

The moment the jet touched down at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, a fleet of Rolls-Royces awaited them on the private tarmac. The humid night air carried the scent of the ocean and the distant aroma of Mumbai's vibrant street food.

Their convoy moved effortlessly through the city, bypassing the usual chaos as they headed straight for Marine Drive, where the Arabian Sea stretched into the horizon.

Jack stepped out first, inhaling the salty breeze. The city was alive—glowing skyscrapers, neon-lit streets, and the distant beats of music from upscale clubs.

Katrina walked up beside him, stretching her arms. "This place has energy. I love it."

Emma, dressed in an elegant black gown, glanced at Jack. "So, what now?"

Jack smirked. "Now? We enjoy ourselves."

The first stop was one of Mumbai's most exclusive rooftop lounges, where they sipped on rare whiskey and champagne, overlooking the vast cityscape. Jack, always the strategist, watched as Katrina and Emma slowly eased into the night—relaxing, letting go of their usual guarded selves.

From there, they moved to a private beach villa, where the waves lapped gently at the shore. A team of private chefs had already prepared a lavish spread—buttery lobster, spiced kebabs, saffron-infused biryani, and exotic desserts.

Under the stars, the three of them dined, laughed, and talked—no politics, no grand ambitions—just pure enjoyment.

As the night deepened, Katrina playfully nudged Jack. "So, what's next, genius? You've already conquered the world. What more do you want?"

Jack leaned back in his chair, gazing at the horizon where the sea met the night sky. A slow, knowing smirk formed on his lips.

"You'll see soon enough."

As the Gulfstream G700 soared through the night sky, leaving Mumbai behind, the cabin was filled with an air of anticipation. Jack sat comfortably, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the leather armrest. Katrina and Emma, now fully aware of his ambitions, exchanged glances.

"So," Emma finally spoke, sipping on a glass of fine red wine, "you're really taking us to this mysterious Future Island of yours?"

Jack smirked. "It's not just an island—it's the future itself."
Read exclusive adventures at empire

Katrina leaned forward, intrigued. "You've told me about the technology, the research, but I still can't wrap my head around how you managed to pull all this off."

Jack's eyes gleamed with confidence. "You'll understand once you see it."

The moment the jet descended over the island, both Katrina and Emma gasped. It was unlike anything they had ever seen.

The sprawling futuristic cityscape, illuminated with soft blue and white neon lights, stretched across the lush green island. Towers of glass and steel, designed with sleek, curved edges, stood proudly against the night sky. Roads without traffic lights, AI-controlled vehicles gliding effortlessly, and floating drones monitoring everything in real-time—this was a world beyond modern civilization.

The private landing strip was already prepared, with a line of luxurious, black self-driving cars waiting for them. As they stepped off the jet, a group of formally dressed staff stood in an organized row, bowing slightly in respect.

Jack turned to the two women. "Welcome to Future Island."

Emma folded her arms. "This is unreal."

Katrina, speechless, simply walked forward, taking in the advanced architecture, the towering research facilities, and the sheer level of technology surrounding her.

Jack smirked. "And now, let's get to the real heart of this island."

The convoy of autonomous vehicles smoothly transported them to the Medical Research Center, one of the most advanced buildings on the island. The moment they stepped inside, a vast hall stretched before them, lined with cutting-edge laboratories, glass-walled offices, and teams of scientists working on the most complex medical advancements known to man.

Jack introduced them to Dr. Alric Vaughn, the head of the center, a brilliant scientist responsible for overseeing the groundbreaking research on regenerative medicine, life extension, and human enhancement.

"This is where the future of medicine is created," Jack said, leading them through corridors filled with holographic displays showcasing genetic modifications, organ regrowth, and nanotech advancements.

Dr. Vaughn shook hands with Emma and Katrina. "Mr. Jack has made the impossible a reality here. We're on the verge of eliminating not just aging, but disease itself."

Katrina stared at one of the biotech labs where researchers worked on what looked like artificial organs suspended in liquid chambers. "This is insane…"

Jack smirked. "And we're just getting started."

Next, they moved toward the Computer Research Center, a structure that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. Supercomputers lined the walls, AI-driven holograms assisted researchers, and quantum computing facilities worked in tandem with Jack's latest projects.

Emma turned to Jack. "So, this is where your 'Futuristic AI' is being developed?"

Jack nodded. "Yes. The intelligence here isn't just programmed—it learns, adapts, and evolves beyond human limitations."

At the center of the lab stood a massive transparent pillar, filled with pulsating blue energy, surrounded by floating holographic displays of algorithms and complex data.

Katrina, still trying to process everything, sighed. "Jack, this is beyond what the world knows. If people realized what's on this island…"

Jack's smirk widened. "That's why it stays a secret."

Emma stepped closer, placing a hand on Jack's arm. "And what do you want from us in all of this?"

Jack's eyes locked onto hers. "To be part of something greater. Something that will change the course of history."

A moment of silence passed between them as Katrina and Emma took in the sheer magnitude of what Jack had built.

And as they stood there, surrounded by the brilliance of his creations, they realized something—Jack wasn't just a man anymore. He was a force beyond anything the world had ever known.