The fall of Blackstone sent shockwaves through the entire business world. Almost overnight, Leo Carter became a household name—a self-made billionaire who had risen from nothing, defeated old money dynasties, exposed corporate corruption, and won the most iconic development project in the city. News outlets called him a "modern tycoon," "a genius of commerce," and "the future of business."
By the end of the week, Carter Tower's official groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled to be broadcast live nationwide. The mayor declared the day a city-wide event, and thousands of local residents gathered to watch the man who had promised to change their lives.
Leo stood in front of the crowd, calm and composed, as cameras from every major network focused on him. Beside him were the city's top officials, architects, and construction leaders—all eager to stand beside the rising star.
Kane stood just behind him, holding a tablet with the latest financial updates. "Sir, Morgan Real Estate's stock has risen by 40% since the bid announcement. Investors from all over the world are begging to buy into our projects. Your net worth now exceeds $2.5 billion."
Leo barely reacted to the number. Wealth was no longer a goal—it was a tool.
When he stepped to the microphone, the massive crowd fell silent.
"Not long ago, I was just an ordinary person with nothing," he said, his voice steady and sincere. "I lived in a small apartment, worked odd jobs, and struggled to survive. People like me were often ignored by the powerful, the wealthy, and the privileged. Today is not about me. It is about every person who has ever been told they are too small, too poor, or too unimportant to dream big."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"Carter Tower will be more than a building. It will be a symbol: that success is not about where you start. It is about how far you are willing to rise. This city will be rebuilt for the people—for the workers, the families, the students, and the dreamers. We will create jobs, we will build homes, and we will leave this city better than we found it."
The crowd erupted into cheers. People waved, clapped, and chanted his name. For the first time in a long while, the people truly believed in a leader.
[Ding!][Host has unlocked the title: People's Tycoon.][Public support and reputation have reached maximum level.][All future business operations will receive automatic public favor.]
As Leo lifted the ceremonial shovel and dug into the ground, cameras flashed across the nation. The Carter Empire had officially begun.
After the ceremony, Kane approached with a new set of documents. "Sir, the Emerald Consortium has sent a formal invitation. They want you to join their inner circle as the youngest member in history. They are prepared to open global resources to you."
Leo smiled faintly. The shadows that once controlled the city were now begging him to join them.
"Tell them I will accept," he said. "But I make my own rules."
Just then, his phone buzzed. He looked down and saw a name he had not expected: Mia.
She had somehow gotten his private number and sent a short, desperate message.
"Leo, I'm sorry. I was wrong. Please, can we talk? I have nothing left."
Leo read the message and deleted it without a second thought.
Mia, Derek, the Morgans, Blackstone—they were all ghosts of a past he no longer belonged to. He did not hate them. He did not pity them. He simply did not care anymore.
His life was no longer about revenge.It was about legacy.
[Ding!][Host has completely transcended past grudges.][Mental state upgraded to: Supreme Will.][No emotional distraction will ever hinder your path again.]
That night, Leo stood alone in his penthouse, staring at the city lights. The skyline was already changing, and soon his tower would pierce the clouds. He had gone from a homeless orphan to a billionaire tycoon in just a few short weeks.
And he was only getting started.
[Ding!][Main quest completed: Build a Business Empire.][Rewards unlocked:][$1 billion cash bonus deposited!][System upgraded to Level 4!][New global expansion module unlocked!][New main quest: Conquer the Global Market.]
Leo smiled faintly.
One city was just the beginning.Soon, the world would know his name.
The era of Leo Carter had only just begun.