Morning in London was greeted by a thick fog swallowing the River Thames. Inside Julian's garage, the atmosphere was far from tranquil. Arthur stood behind Julian, watching streaks of green code scroll across a flickering old monitor.
"This is it, Arthur. A multi-layered encryption protocol for data sharding," Julian said, his eyes bloodshot from an all-nighter. "If this works, data won't be stored on a single vulnerable central server, but split across thousands of points. Even if one server blows up, the data remains intact. This is... it's revolutionary."
Arthur nodded knowingly. In the future, this technology would become the global banking security standard. "Register the patent under our company, Valeska-Reed Technologies, this very day. Use the lawyer I selected, Thomas. He's slippery, but he knows how to protect valuable assets."
"What about the capital?" Julian asked hesitantly. "Paying Thomas and the international server fees isn't cheap."
Arthur pulled out a small flash drive. "I've made a few 'bets' on the futures market this morning. Our balance is enough for the next three months of operations. But Julian, focus on development. Leave the 'money' and the 'wolves' out there to me."
The "wolves" Arthur referred to didn't wait long to appear.
That afternoon, Arthur had Hugo drive him to an exclusive gentlemen's club in Mayfair. The place served as the unofficial headquarters of Victor Thorne. Victor wasn't just a loan shark; he was a business aristocrat who had fallen from grace and was now rebuilding his power through extortion, money laundering, and market manipulation.
In his previous life, Arthur was Victor's "pawn." This time, Arthur came as an opposing player.
"Wait here, Hugo. If I'm not out in thirty minutes, come in," Arthur whispered before stepping into the Victorian-style building.
Inside, the room was heavy with the scent of sandalwood and expensive cigars. Victor Thorne sat in a red velvet chair, clutching a crystal glass of brandy. At fifty years old, Victor appeared authoritative, yet possessed a predatory gaze.
"Arthur Valeska," Victor spoke without turning around. "I hear you've settled your petty debts on the street. And I hear you now have a personal guardian who can break my men's arms. You look... different."
Arthur sat in the chair opposite Victor without being invited. "Humans change, Victor. Especially after they've seen the edge of their own grave."
Victor chuckled, a cold sound. "So, you're here to pay the rest of what you owe me? 10,000 pounds, plus the late interest we agreed upon."
Arthur placed a check on the polished oak table. However, the figure written there was not 10,000.
"15,000 pounds?" Victor raised an eyebrow. "You're overpaying? Since when did you become a philanthropist?"
"The extra 5,000 is a 'parting fee'," Arthur said calmly. "Consider it a thank you for lending me money when I was desperate. But as of today, Victor, our relationship is over. Stay away from my family, don't send people to my office, and never mention my name on the streets again."
Victor set his glass down with a sharp clink. The atmosphere in the room suddenly dropped several degrees. "You think you can buy your freedom from me with a few extra thousand pounds? You have potential, Arthur. I was thinking of pulling you into my real estate circle in East London."
"I have no interest in foreclosed properties, Victor. I am building something much larger than bricks and mortar," Arthur stated proudly.
Victor leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Careful, boy. London is a cruel city to the arrogant. You might feel like you've won today, but I know who you really are. You're just a sewer rat lucky enough to find a gold coin."
Arthur stood, adjusting the collar of his jacket. "Perhaps. But this rat knows when the storm is coming, Victor. And when it hits, make sure you aren't on the wrong ship."
Arthur walked out with his head held high. He knew this was a subtle declaration of war. Victor Thorne would not let his prey go easily, especially one that had suddenly become brilliant and wealthy.
Outside, Hugo immediately approached. "All went well, sir?"
"We just woke the dragon, Hugo. But it had to be done so he doesn't underestimate us," Arthur replied. "Now, we have another mission. We must see Lady Beatrice. We need social legitimacy if we want to enter the banking circles."
On the way home, Arthur reflected. The future was already shifting. In his original life, he had never settled his debt with Victor this quickly. He was usually extorted until he was forced to commit crimes for Victor.
Arriving at the apartment, he found Elena trying on a simple dress he had bought for the dinner with Lady Beatrice. Elena looked stunning, but her face reflected deep anxiety.
"Arthur... do we really have to go to a place like that?" Elena asked, staring at her reflection. "I feel like a stranger in these clothes. People like Lady Beatrice will know we're just poor people playing pretend."
Arthur approached, standing behind his wife, and placed his hands on her shoulders. "They might have had money longer than we have, Elena. But they don't have the strength you possess. You are the heart of this family. Don't let the shimmer of their diamonds make you feel small."
Elena turned, looking into Arthur's eyes, which now appeared so stable and full of love. "You're so different, Arthur. Sometimes I'm afraid... afraid that the cruel man from before will return."
Arthur kissed Elena's forehead. "He's dead, Elena. That man died with his regrets. The one before you now is the man who will give you the world."
That night, Arthur didn't sleep. He sat by Leo's bed, watching his sleeping son while holding his small hand. He knew the next step was the most dangerous. Building cloud technology was one thing, but winning the trust of London's elite without being crushed by Victor Thorne was another.
Tomorrow, at Lady Beatrice's estate, the real game of chess would begin.