Anyone living in Chicago has heard of One Chicago Residences, a gleaming tower in the heart of the Loop, steps from the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. It's one of the most exclusive addresses in the city, a symbol of luxury and status.
Alex Thompson's heart raced with excitement as he stared at the digital folder hovering in the WealthMaster Sign-in System's glowing blue interface. With a single thought, the folder materialized in his hands—a sleek, leather-bound packet.
Inside were documents detailing his new penthouse suite in One Chicago Residences: a property deed, purchase contract, access keycard, and more. As he flipped through the papers, his eyes locked on the name printed in bold: Alex Thompson. The red-stamped property deed was real. This was his.
"Holy…!" Alex shouted, his voice cracking with disbelief.
The system interface flickered, replacing the folder with a stunning 3D hologram of One Chicago Residences, its glass facade shimmering against the Chicago skyline. The effect was so vivid it felt like he could step into it.
According to the deed, his penthouse was a sprawling duplex on the 43rd floor—eight bedrooms, three living areas, totaling 8,250 square feet. The listed value? Over $30 million.
Alex's jaw dropped. Thirty million dollars? He could barely breathe. I own this?
The thought was surreal. He'd planned to heat up some instant ramen for lunch, but food was the last thing on his mind now. He needed to see this place—now.
Rummaging through his closet, Alex pulled out his best suit, hoping to look the part. But with his messy hair and casual vibe, the suit felt wrong, like he was playing dress-up. Screw it. He swapped it for jeans and a clean hoodie—his usual look—and felt more like himself.
Peeking out the door to ensure Mrs. Miller, his landlady, wasn't lurking, he stuffed the document packet into his backpack and bolted outside. At the curb, he flagged a cab.
"Take me to One Chicago Residences," he told the driver.
The cabbie, a grizzled guy with a Cubs cap, did a double-take. "You sure, kid?"
Alex nodded, and the driver shrugged, pulling into traffic. He probably thought Alex was some tourist gawking at Chicago's elite real estate. The ride was quiet, but noon traffic slowed them down. An hour later, at 2:12 p.m., they pulled up outside the towering One Chicago Residences.
Alex stepped out, backpack slung over his shoulder. The driver lingered, maybe hoping for some drama, but a "No Parking" sign forced him to move on.
Alex glanced up at the sleek, modern building, its glass reflecting the afternoon sun. He summoned the system interface in his mind to confirm it was real, then strode toward the entrance.
Security guards and concierge staff stood watch at the grand lobby entrance, their eyes scanning every visitor. As Alex approached, a concierge in a crisp blazer stepped forward. "Excuse me, sir, can I—"
Before he could finish, Alex swiped his access keycard on the reader. Beep. A green light flashed, and the glass doors slid open.
The concierge blinked, surprised, but quickly recovered. "My apologies, sir. Welcome! This way, please."
Alex gave a small smile, trying to act like he belonged. The concierge led him toward Building 1, glancing at Alex's casual outfit. "First time here, sir?" he asked politely.
"Yeah," Alex said, nodding.
The concierge's expression warmed, clearly impressed by Alex's low-key vibe. "Right this way, sir. You're in Building 1, correct?"
Alex nodded again, amused by the man's sudden deference. If the concierge knew Alex was just a broke programmer a few hours ago, he'd probably faint.
At the building's entrance, the concierge stopped. "Our on-site staff is available 24/7, sir. If you need anything, just let us know."
"Thanks," Alex said, stepping inside.
As the concierge retreated, Alex overheard two security guards muttering near the gate.
"Man, rich folks are getting sneakier with the low-key look," one said.
"No kidding. Good thing we didn't stop him. Could've been a mess."
Alex smirked, shaking his head, and entered the lobby. A middle-aged man in a tailored suit—clearly the building's head concierge—approached, offering a slight bow. "Welcome home, sir."
Alex nodded, following him to the elevator. "Forty-third floor," he said.
The elevator hummed, gliding smoothly to the penthouse level. The concierge held the door as Alex stepped out, facing a sleek, modern entryway. He reached for his keycard, but the concierge spoke up. "First time staying here, sir?"
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, why?"
The concierge smiled warmly. "Allow me to introduce our services. We offer 24-hour concierge support, top-tier security, personal butler services, housekeeping, and access to our fitness center, pool, sauna, spa, and private event spaces. Here's my card—call anytime." He handed Alex a card with the name James Carter printed in elegant font.
"Thanks, James," Alex said, pocketing the card. The service here was next-level.
"My pleasure, sir. Enjoy your new home!" James bowed again and stepped back into the elevator.
Alex approached the penthouse door, keycard ready, but before he could swipe, it clicked open. A smooth, electronic voice greeted him: "Welcome home, Master."
Alex froze, half-expecting someone to jump out. But the voice was automated. He stepped inside, and his breath caught.
The penthouse was a masterpiece—sleek, modern, with a sci-fi edge. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased Chicago's skyline, and the open-plan living area screamed luxury, from the polished marble floors to the minimalist furniture. It felt like stepping into a tech billionaire's dream.
As he sank onto a plush leather sofa, questions swirled in his mind. How was this place so advanced? The system's voice chimed in, as if reading his thoughts: "The 'smart' in 'smart penthouse' refers to a cutting-edge home automation system, a decade ahead of current technology. The WealthMaster System can integrate with and control all features at your command."
Alex's eyes widened. This wasn't just a penthouse—it was a high-tech fortress. Grinning, he stood to explore his new domain, ready to see what else this insane system had in store.