Ultimate Choice System: I Became The Richest!

Layla hesitated but eventually nodded, her fight finally drained. Sarah gave her a small, reassuring squeeze before turning to address the crowd with a composed expression. "I apologize for the disturbance," she said, her voice steady despite the emotional storm she had just endured. "We'll be leaving now."

As the two walked away, Sarah's arm wrapped protectively around her daughter, the crowd began to disperse, murmuring amongst themselves about what they had just witnessed.

Noah stood still, his calm expression unwavering. He turned his gaze to Aiden, whose expression was that of confusion.

Noah glanced at Aiden for a second, before turning away and going back to his car.

Aiden didn't stop Noah, and simply sighed and entered his house.

...

Inside the car, Noah leaned back against the seat, the faint hum of the engine a backdrop to the flurry of calls lighting up his phone. His expression darkened slightly as he noticed the familiar caller ID—his mom. After letting the phone buzz a few more times, he sighed, his fingers tapping the screen.

"Some rats seemed to have snitched already," he muttered to himself, pressing the call button.

The moment the line connected, his mom's voice erupted from the other side, a mixture of concern and frustration. "Noah? What is going on? What am I hearing about Layla and her mom? I thought you broke up to focus on your studies!"

"Mom, relax," Noah said, his tone steady, though he could feel her anxiety radiating through the phone.

"Relax? How can I relax? Your old neighbors are calling me, telling me all sorts of things! Something about drama in front of Aiden's house and Layla shouting about you and her mom? What is happening, Noah?"

Noah pinched the bridge of his nose, willing himself to keep his composure. "Mom, it's not a big deal. Layla's just being... Layla. She's trying to get back at me for breaking up with her. She couldn't handle it well, so she's acting out."

"Acting out? Noah, these are serious allegations! People are saying you played with her mother's feelings—"

"Mom," Noah interjected, his tone firm but calm, "it's nothing like that. Layla is just spreading lies to create a scene. She's upset, and this is how she's handling it. But it's not true."

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a deep breath from his mom. "Are you absolutely sure, Noah? You know how people talk. This could affect our reputation. I don't want anyone thinking you'd do something so—"

"Mom," Noah interrupted again, softening his voice this time, "I promise you, there's nothing to worry about. Her mother even came to the scene and apologized on Layla's behalf. She knows her daughter is out of control."

"She apologized?" his mom asked, her voice wavering between scepticism and relief.

"Yes, she did. It's all handled now. Layla was just having a tantrum in public, and her mom put a stop to it."

His mom remained silent for a moment before sighing heavily. "Noah, I trust you, but these kinds of rumours... they're not good for you, for us. You're building a future, and I don't want anything to jeopardize that."

"I know, Mom," Noah replied, his tone reassuring. "That's why I'm dealing with it. You don't need to worry about anything. Trust me, everything is under control."

"Alright," she said reluctantly. "But if anything else comes up—"

"It won't," Noah cut in, his voice firm. "I'll make sure of it."

His mom exhaled deeply, her tone softening. "Alright, Noah. I'll let it go. Just… take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, Mom. Don't stress about this. I'll see you soon."

After the call ended, Noah placed his phone on the passenger seat and shook his head slightly, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

Noah turned the engine of the Lykan on, the powerful roar filling the air like a lion announcing its presence.

His eyes were cold, reflecting his growing annoyance. "Layla better pray she doesn't pull a stunt like that again, otherwise…" he muttered under his breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

He had been too lazy to deal with her antics until now, brushing them off as pathetic and childish.

But this last episode had crossed a line. It was repetitive, tiresome, and above all—disrespectful. His patience was wearing thin.

Shaking the thought away, Noah focused on his next task. After acquiring the Advanced AI Development (Intermediate), he'd decided to buy a technology lab—a private space where he could delve into its mysteries and begin implementing a few ideas. His plans were ambitious, and this was just the first step.

The Lykan pulled up to the real estate agency specializing in commercial properties and high-tech facilities.

Stepping out, Noah adjusted his jacket and walked through the glass doors, his every move radiating confidence. Inside, the receptionist greeted him with a polite smile and gestured to a man approaching briskly from the back office.

"Mr. Noah Thompson?" the man asked, extending his hand with a professional smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Robert, and I'll be assisting you today."

Noah shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, Robert. I appreciate it. How are you?"

"I'm doing great, thank you for asking," Robert replied, gesturing toward the seating area. "I've been in touch with the owner of the lab you inquired about, and he's informed me that the property is available for viewing immediately. Would you like to head there now, or shall we go over the details here first?" Stay connected via empiren/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Noah nodded thoughtfully. "Let's check it out first. I prefer to see the space in person before diving into specifics."

"Understood," Robert said with a nod. "This way, please."

As they exited the building, Robert turned to Noah. "Do you have a car, Mr. Thompson, or would you prefer to ride with me?"

Noah gave a small smirk and reached into his pocket, pressing a button on his key fob. The Lykan Hypersport's sleek lights flashed in response as its engine hummed to life.

Robert's eyes widened in shock, his jaw nearly dropping. "Is that… a Lykan Hypersport? Sir, that's my dream car!"

Noah's smirk widened slightly. "Do you want to ride in it?"

"Can I?" Robert asked, his voice filled with genuine excitement. "I'd love to, sir."

"Alright," Noah said, motioning to the passenger side. "Hop in."

Robert wasted no time sliding into the luxurious passenger seat, his hands lightly brushing over the smooth interior with barely contained glee. "This is incredible," he murmured. "I've seen it in videos, but experiencing it in person is something else."

Noah chuckled softly, sliding into the driver's seat. "Buckle up."

As Noah drove through the city streets, Robert couldn't help but gush about the Lykan. "This car is a masterpiece. Twin-turbo flat-six engine, a top speed of over 240 mph—it's like owning a piece of history!"

Noah glanced at him with an amused expression. "You seem to know a lot about it."

Robert grinned sheepishly. "I may have spent an unhealthy amount of time reading about it. But it's rare to see one in person, let alone ride in it. Thank you, Mr. Thompson. You've made my day."

Noah remained silent, his focus shifting to the road as they neared the property. The building came into view—a sleek, modern facility with tinted glass windows and a minimalist design, tucked into a quiet industrial park.

Robert gestured ahead, his voice eager. "There it is—the lab I mentioned. It's equipped with state-of-the-art technology and fully customizable spaces. I think you'll find it fits your needs perfectly."

Noah parked the Lykan effortlessly, stepping out and taking a moment to assess the building. He nodded slightly, "Let's go," he said, his tone calm.

...

Inside the lab, the atmosphere was very high-tech. The sound of advanced machinery filled the air as Noah stepped through the glass doors alongside Robert. Waiting for them was an older man, dressed in white lab coat, his silver hair neatly combed.

"Mr. Noah," Robert began, gesturing towards the man, "this is Mr. Graham, the owner of the lab."

Mr. Graham extended his hand with a polite smile. "Pleasure meeting you, sir," he said, his eyes betraying a flicker of surprise as he took in Noah's youthful appearance. 'He's so young,' Graham thought, 'but he's already considering a facility like this? Must be someone remarkable or...'

Noah shook his hand firmly, his expression calm and unreadable. "The pleasure is mine," he said simply.

Robert broke the brief silence. "Mr. Graham, could you show us around? Mr. Thompson would like to see the lab's features before discussing terms."

"Of course," Graham said, nodding. "This way, please."

Graham led them through a pristine corridor lined with frosted glass doors. As they passed, he began to explain.

"This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed for advanced technological development. Let's start with the main lab."

Pushing open a set of double doors, he gestured for Noah and Robert to enter. Inside was a spacious room dominated by workstations, robotic arms, and an array of monitors displaying live system diagnostics.

On the far side, an advanced 3D printing machine whirred quietly as it assembled a small component.

"These are multi-functional workstations, each equipped with high-speed computing systems, precision tools, and customizable interfaces," Graham explained, his tone proud but professional. "We've also installed adaptive robotic arms capable of handling delicate materials or heavy-duty assembly."

Noah's sharp gaze swept over the room, taking in the precision of the setup. "What's the maximum payload of the robotic arms?" he asked.

Graham blinked, impressed by the specific question. "Each arm can handle up to 500 kilograms. They're programmed for precision accuracy down to a micron."