The scent of fresh paint still lingered in the air, mixing with the soft aroma of jasmine from the candles his mother lit in the evening.
Darren stood by the glass doors, watching the moonlight reflect off the surface of their new pool. It had been a long road, but things were starting to feel… livable.
His mother's voice broke the calm. "You do know your birthday's just three days away, right?"
Darren turned to find her leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and smiling.
He blinked, surprised. "Three days?"
"Yours and Aria's," she added. "Don't think I forgot just because everything's been crazy. I plan to cook, even if we don't do anything big."
He chuckled softly. "We're eighteen this year… finally adults."
His mother's smile faded slightly, eyes misting. "You've been adults far longer than most kids your age ever had to be. That's what breaks my heart."
Darren didn't respond immediately. He just nodded, the weight of her words settling on his chest.
But deep inside, a quiet fire had already been lit.
Because he hadn't forgotten her birthday either. It was just a week after theirs. And this year… this year, she wasn't going to lift a single finger.
When she left the room to check on Aria, Darren summoned the system.
[Bank Balance: £4,380,000]
[Expenditure Multiplier Active: x300 - x1000 range fluctuating based on emotional impact and scale of spending.]
He smirked to himself.
So it wasn't just spending. It was spending with meaning that triggered higher returns.
He opened his notepad and began scribbling ideas:
Rent out a private venue with indoor and outdoor lounges for the twins' birthday.
Custom designer clothes for him and Aria — a surprise for her.
Hire a private chef, violinist, and a small events team.
Invite only a few trusted classmates and neighbors — no noise, just elegance.
Then…
Plan his mom's birthday.
First-class spa day, jewelry, and perhaps a silent donation to a cause she once mentioned back when they had nothing.
End it all by handing her keys to a luxury car — one that screams dignity, not flash.
The system chimed again.
[System Side Mission Unlocked: "Make Your Queen Smile"]
Trigger an emotional peak through celebration.
Minimum Spend: £250,000
Return Multiplier: x500 - x1000 based on execution and emotional resonance.
Darren leaned back and smiled, staring up at the ceiling.
Money was no longer the goal — it was the tool.
And the more love he poured into it… the more powerful he became.