Inflated Dreams and Silent Profits
The press conference ended.
And the market exploded.
The Market Goes Mad
Within hours of Ravencroft Horizon Group's launch—
Stock prices surged
Speculation skyrocketed
Media hype flooded every channel
"New tycoon rising!"
"Young genius entrepreneur!"
"Next Runcandel rival?"
Kael Ravencroft's name trended everywhere.
He basked in it.
Collaboration Announcement
Two days later, another bomb dropped.
BREAKING NEWS:
Ravencroft Horizon Group announces strategic collaboration with Valencrest Group
The market went insane.
Investors loved it.
Valencrest—desperate for stability after scandal—
Ravencroft—hot, rising, mysterious.
A perfect story.
Then came the final push.
The Engagement
At exactly 9:00 AM—
Valencrest Group released an official statement.
"We are pleased to announce the finalized engagement between
Ms. Lunaria Valencrest and Mr. Kael Ravencroft."
The internet erupted.
Ravencroft Horizon Group stock: UP
Valencrest Group stock: UP
Analysts praised it.
"A power couple!"
"A strategic marriage!"
"A fairy tale comeback!"
No one cared about the past anymore.
Or so they thought.
A Quiet Buyer
While everyone else was celebrating—
Alex sat in his office, legs crossed, phone in hand.
No press.
No announcements.
Just numbers.
He had quietly bought 10 million dollars worth of shares—
Split across Ravencroft Horizon Group and Valencrest Group.
No one noticed.
Now?
He checked the screen.
Current Value: 50 million dollars
Alex raised an eyebrow.
"…Five times," he murmured.
Kirlia floated closer, tilting her head.
Alex smiled and patted her.
"Don't worry," he said lightly.
"I'm not impressed."
He leaned back in his chair.
"This isn't growth," he added calmly.
"It's a bubble."
System Confirmation
A familiar voice echoed in his mind.
System Notice:
Market manipulation opportunity confirmed.
Optimal sell timing: Product release window.
Alex's smile widened slightly.
"So that's the word for it," he said softly.
"Bubble."
Two Different Celebrations
At Ravencroft Horizon Group
Kael raised a glass.
"To success," he declared proudly.
Executives applauded.
Lunaria smiled at his side—
Relieved, hopeful, clinging to the illusion that everything was finally okay.
Kael believed it too.
Once the product launches, he thought,
I'll be unstoppable.
At Runcandel Manor
Alex stood by the window, city lights reflecting in his eyes.
"Fifty million from ten," he said calmly.
"Not bad."
Then he added—
"But profit isn't the goal."
He turned away from the window.
"Control is."
Countdown
Product launch: 5 days remaining
The higher the stock climbed—
The harder it would fall.
And Alex?
Alex was already holding the knife.