Building The Strongest Family-Chapter 115: Osborn Bank [ 1 ]

Evolon announced with an air of importance. "Total orders: 380 million InfiniteCells and 260 million Neural Core X chips. Estimated revenue projection: 7.9 billion Unicreds."

Arthur exhaled slowly, , a faint smirk creeping onto his lips. "Not bad for a company that didn’t exist just months ago," he remarked with pride.

"The buyers were predictable," Evolon continued matter-of-factly. "Lumina and Vertex committed first; NovaPower hesitated but followed once others set terms."

Arthur swirled his wine thoughtfully, watching how it clung to the crystal before sliding back down like liquid velvet. "Of course they did, no one wants to be left behind when the game changes."

He leaned back in his chair, which creaked softly under him. "What’s the chatter from our competition?"A new hologram materialized before them, news feeds, encrypted corporate memos, stock analyses all whirling together in a digital storm.

"VesTech’s R&D division has issued an emergency review of their battery tech," Evolon reported. "Solaris Dynamics has placed three lead engineers on administrative leave,likely scapegoats for failing to match our specifications."

Arthur chuckled softly at this news. "Ahh...the sweet sound of scrambling."

He took another sip of wine as if savoring victory itself. "And what about our friends lurking in the shadows?"

"Three confirmed infiltration attempts at our facility in Eden Industrial Park over the last two months," Evolon replied coolly. "All were granted access to dummy schematics before being... discouraged from leaving."

Good," Arthur said with satisfaction as he set down his glass decisively. "Let them waste their time on decoys."

A brief pause lingered in the air before Evolon spoke again, its tone shifting subtly to one tinged with curiosity. "You’re not concerned Master Julian is moving too quickly?"

Arthur drummed his fingers once against the desk thoughtfully before saying, "Uncle Julian knows the rules. Build fast, but never fragile."

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THREE DAYS LATER:

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As the first light of morning broke through the thin curtains of Daniel Carter’s small studio apartment, it painted streaks of gold across the scuffed wooden floor.

The room was modest yet cozy, a neatly made bed against one wall, a compact kitchenette nestled in the corner, and a desk cluttered with financial books and a second-hand tablet.

The air carried a comforting blend of coffee grounds and lemon-scented cleaner.

Daniel stirred beneath his sheets, blinking against the sunlight that beckoned him to rise.

His alarm had gone off early today; the digital clock on his nightstand read 6:30 AM. With a stretch and a yawn, he rolled out of bed and padded barefoot to the bathroom.

The mirror reflected a man in his late twenties, messy brown hair still tousled from sleep, sharp green eyes sparkling with determination, and the faint shadow of stubble hinting at another busy day ahead.

He brushed his teeth methodically, wincing slightly at the chill of minty foam before stepping into a quick shower that soothed the lingering tension in his shoulders.

Breakfast was simple but satisfying: scrambled eggs, toast, and a steaming cup of black coffee.

He savored each bite while standing by the window, watching as Neo-Luminara slowly awakened below.

Neon signs flickered off as the sun climbed higher, and the distant hum of early-morning traffic began to build like an orchestra tuning up for its grand performance.

Today was significant; today he would open an account at Osborn International Bank.

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After dressing carefully in a pressed white shirt, dark slacks, and his only blazer,a navy-blue one reserved for job interviews,he checked his reflection one last time.

Adjusting his collar with precision, he grabbed his satchel before locking up behind him.

Stepping outside felt electric; the city buzzed with life!

Sidewalks bustled with commuters hurrying to work while street vendors set up their carts amidst cyclists weaving through traffic like dancers on stage.

He hailed a taxi that hummed to a stop at the curb.

"Osborn International Bank, downtown," he instructed the driver.

As they merged into traffic, Daniel gazed out at skyscrapers towering overhead, glass facades reflecting golden rays from above while advertisements flickered across digital billboards.

Some promoted luxury goods; others showcased Osborn Capital’s latest investment opportunities.

His fingers tapped restlessly against his knee as anticipation bubbled within him.

Weeks spent researching banks had led him here, comparing interest rates and benefits until Osborn International stood out not just for its stellar reputation (even if it had just opened its doors months ago) but also for its innovative features tailored for people like him who craved growth.

He needed this bank account more than ever!

After years scraping by on freelance gigs and temporary contracts, steady work was finally within reach, and with it came stability!

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The taxi rolled to a stop in front of a towering glass-and-steel monolith that dominated the skyline of the financial district.

The Osborn International Bank logo, a sleek, silver emblem of interlocking circles, gleamed invitingly above the entrance.

As Daniel stepped out, his shoes clicked rhythmically against the polished marble steps leading to the grand double doors.

The building radiated power and precision, its architecture a harmonious blend of modern minimalism and timeless elegance. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he pushed through the doors.

Inside, the lobby unfolded like a scene from a futuristic film: an expansive space with soaring ceilings and a floor so glossy that it reflected his image perfectly.

A holographic chandelier floated overhead, casting soft waves of light that danced gently around him.

To his left, self-service kiosks hummed quietly, their screens displaying options in multiple languages; to his right stood an impeccably dressed concierge desk ready to assist.

What struck him most was the atmosphere, busy yet unhurried.

Professionals in sharp suits moved purposefully while others lounged in plush waiting areas, sipping coffee from delicate porcelain cups as they reviewed documents on sleek tablets.

The air was infused with subtle notes of leather and something crisp,perhaps mint or fresh linen.

A receptionist, a woman with an inviting smile and a pin-straight blonde bob,greeted him as he approached. "Welcome to Osborn International! How can we assist you today?"

"I’d like to open an account," Daniel replied, trying to keep his voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within him.

"Excellent!" she responded cheerfully, tapping something into her console. "Please take a seat in our waiting area; a relationship manager will be with you shortly."

He nodded and settled into one of the luxurious leather chairs, sinking into its surprisingly comfortable embrace.

A small tablet embedded in the side table lit up, offering refreshments,coffee, tea, water,and he selected black coffee.

Moments later, a discreet server drone glided over and delivered it on a polished silver tray.