The Omnipotent System

Grand Crown Hotel – Rooftop Restaurant

The rooftop of the Grand Crown Hotel was nothing short of stunning. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows framed the city skyline, twinkling lights stretching far into the horizon. The scent of expensive wine and freshly grilled steak filled the air, blending with the low murmur of conversation from the well-dressed clientele.

At a long, sleek table near the edge of the terrace, Adams, Jack, and Alistair sat with a small group of Alistair's business partners. Their meals had just been served—perfectly plated gourmet dishes, the kind where the portions looked a little too small for the price tag.

Jack eyed his plate. "Man, rich people really be eating art instead of food."

Alistair smirked, slicing into his steak. "You'll live."

Jack made a face but didn't argue. He speared a piece of meat and popped it into his mouth, chewing like he was deep in thought. "Alright, not bad."

Adams, meanwhile, was unfazed. He picked up his glass of wine, swirled it slightly, then took a slow sip. Across from him, Alistair leaned back in his chair, watching him carefully.

"So," Alistair said, setting down his fork. "Tell me, Adams—what's your play here?"

Adams glanced at him, amused. "Didn't we already go over this?"

"We went over the business," Alistair replied. "But people like you don't just buy buildings for fun. There's something else. I like to know who I'm shaking hands with."

Adams smirked. "And you think a fancy dinner's gonna tell you that?"

Alistair's expression didn't change. "It helps."

The table fell quiet for a moment. Outside, the city pulsed with life—cars moving like veins through the streets, billboards flashing in neon colors.

Adams set his glass down. "I like control," he said simply.

Alistair raised an eyebrow. "Control?"

Adams nodded. "When I walk into a place, I want to know that it belongs to me. That everything under that roof moves because I say so. That's what I'm doing here. Buying a building isn't just business. It's making sure that when I step in, the world adjusts accordingly."

Alistair chuckled under his breath. "Now that? That sounds like a man with ambition."

Jack leaned back in his chair, tossing a breadstick into his mouth. "Told you."

Alistair's business partners exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of intrigue and uncertainty. The woman from earlier, the one in the black suit, finally spoke up. "That's a bold way of looking at things."

Adams tilted his head. "Isn't that why we're all sitting here?"

Alistair studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Fair point."

The conversation shifted after that. Business talk turned into more casual discussions—stories about high-stakes deals, the occasional mention of scandalous rumors from the corporate world, even a few laughs. Jack, naturally, made himself comfortable, cracking jokes and stealing extra bites off Adams' plate when he thought no one was looking.

Eventually, the dinner plates were cleared, and the waiter arrived with a final round of drinks. Alistair swirled his whiskey, watching the way the ice clinked against the glass.

"Well," he said, "I think I've heard enough."

Adams met his gaze. "And?"

Alistair smirked. "You've got yourself a deal."

Jack let out a low whistle. "That was fast."

Alistair shrugged. "I like people who know what they want. And you? You know exactly what you're after."

Adams leaned back, completely at ease. "Good."

They shook hands.

Just like that, it was done.

Jack stretched, cracking his neck. "Alright, business handled. Now can we talk about dessert? I saw some fancy soufflé on the menu, and I need to know if it's worth the hype."

Alistair chuckled, raising his glass. "To new ventures."

Adams clinked his glass against Alistair's, his expression unreadable but satisfied.

Jack grabbed a dessert menu. "To overpriced cake."

Laughter rippled through the table.

The night carried on, the city glowing beneath them.

Next Morning

The morning sun bled through the sheer curtains, casting soft golden streaks across the modern bedroom. The city outside was already alive, but inside, everything was quiet—except for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the slow rise and fall of Adams' breath.

Lying on his back, eyes half-lidded, Adams reached for his phone from the nightstand. With a lazy flick, he unlocked it and scrolled through his recent calls. His thumb hovered for a second before he tapped on a number.

The phone rang once. Just once.

Then—

"Hello."

A smooth, velvety voice on the other end. Naomi.

Adams smirked slightly, shifting to sit up, the sheets sliding down his bare torso. "You sound like you've been waiting by the phone."

A small laugh. "Please. I've been expecting your call for as long as I can remember."

Adams ran a hand through his tousled hair, amused. "That long?"

"Long enough." There was a teasing lilt to her tone, but underneath it, something else—something knowing. "I was starting to think you weren't going to call at all."

Adams glanced at the clock. 8:42 AM. He stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Didn't want to seem too eager."

"Oh?" She hummed. "And here I was, thinking I left quite the impression."

"You did." He smirked. "Just thought I'd keep you guessing."

Naomi exhaled through the receiver, a sound between a chuckle and a sigh. "Well, congratulations. You did. So, what now, Adams? You finally calling to set up that meeting, or do you just enjoy the sound of my voice?"

"Both." Adams leaned back against the headboard, his free hand drumming lightly on his knee. "But mostly, I'm calling to tell you I'm free tonight."

A pause. Then, "Is that so?"

"Mm."

"And here I was, thinking you'd be too busy keeping me waiting."

Adams smirked. "Multitasking."

Another laugh, soft but edged with interest. "Alright then. Tonight it is. You picking the place, or should I surprise you?"

"Surprise me."

"Bold. But I like that.*" A slight shift in her tone—pleased. "Seven-thirty. I'll send the details later."

"Good."

"And, Adams?"

"Hm?"

"Don't keep me waiting next time."

Click.

The call ended.

Adams stared at his phone for a moment, then exhaled through his nose, amused. Naomi played the game well. Confident, sharp, knew how to keep a man engaged without overplaying her hand.

Interesting.

He swung his legs over the bed, stood up, and stretched before heading toward the bathroom.

Tonight was going to be fun. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire