The suit bag lay across his bed like treasure.
Black wool. Savile Row tailoring. Lines so sharp they could cut.
Cassian ran his hand slowly across the fabric, savouring its weight.
'Last life, I couldn't even afford a second-hand blazer. This time… I'll walk into the world dressed in silk while they choke on their laughter.'
The system panel pulsed faintly.
[Exclusive Reward: Savile Row Suit Voucher Redeemed]
[Item Acquired: Tailored Gentleman's Suit]
[Passive: +10% Charisma in social events]
Cassian smirked faintly.
'A suit that makes me more convincing just by wearing it. Not bad. Every edge counts.'
Evening arrived.
A taxi idled outside the Vale house, headlights casting long shadows across the street. Cass guided his parents inside, his movements calm and steady.
Elaine wore a patched dress, carefully pressed, her hair tied neatly back.
Thomas wore his wedding jacket, old but brushed clean.
They sat stiffly in the back seat, shoulders drawn, as though they had stepped into a place that didn't belong to them.
"Cass, this isn't necessary," Elaine whispered.
Cass only smiled, voice smooth. "Dinner's just dinner, Mum."
Inside, he was thinking the exact opposite.
'Tonight isn't just dinner. Tonight is proof. Tonight is the first step in dragging you both out of the dirt forever.'
The restaurant glowed gold in the evening. Chandeliers spilt light onto polished floors. White tablecloths stretched across every table. A piano hummed softly in the corner.
Thomas slowed on the pavement, jaw tight. "We don't belong here, son."
Cass didn't hesitate. He pushed the door open and glanced back.
"We do now."
The maître d' looked up as they entered. His gaze flicked across Elaine's old dress, Thomas's worn jacket. Disdain flickered across his face.
Cass didn't give him the chance to speak. He drew a sleek card from his pocket and set it on the counter. His voice was smooth, calm.
"Vale. Private table."
The man's expression shifted instantly. His posture straightened, his smile sharpened.
"Of course, Mr Vale. Right this way."
A waiter appeared, leading them to a quiet corner with a view of the street.
Elaine and Thomas exchanged a look, confusion etched deep into their faces.
[Quest Triggered: Host a family dinner at a fine establishment]
[Reward: …]
Menus were placed in front of them. Elaine's hand shook slightly as her eyes darted to the numbers.
"Cass… these prices…"
Cass lifted a hand. His tone left no room for debate.
"Order whatever you like. Don't even think about the numbers."
He turned his gaze to the waiter.
"Bring us the chef's recommendations. Wine pairing for my parents. Sparkling water for me."
The waiter bowed deeply and retreated.
Cass leaned back, expression calm.
'Last life, I wouldn't have dared to sit here. Tonight, I'll show them what life should have always tasted like.'
The first dish arrived.
Scallops glistened on porcelain, arranged like art.
Elaine hesitated, fork hovering. She glanced at Cass.
He picked one up, bit into it, and nodded lightly.
"Perfectly seared. Mum, try it."
Elaine tasted. Her eyes widened, tears trembling at the edges.
"Oh, Cass…"
Thomas followed. His brow furrowed, then his expression softened in disbelief.
"Bloody hell. That's… that's incredible."
Cass leaned back, lips curved faintly.
'Good. Remember this taste. Because this is only the beginning.'
Dish after dish followed.
Duck glazed with honey. Lamb so tender it melted on the tongue. A chocolate soufflé that made Elaine gasp as though she couldn't believe something so soft could exist.
Wine loosened Thomas's shoulders. Laughter escaped, light and unguarded.
For the first time in years, his parents looked alive.
Cass watched in silence, gaze steady.
'Every smile you give me is worth more than any stock, any fortune. But I'll take both anyway.'
The panel shimmered.
[Quest Complete: Host a family dinner]
[Reward: +£10,000]
[Bond Increased: Elaine +10]
[Bond Increased: Thomas +10]
[Title Progression: Gentleman 20%]
[Passive Unlocked: Aura of Refinement]
Cass gave a quiet laugh under his breath.
'Aura of Refinement? So I just radiate class now? Perfect. Let them look at me and know I belong more than they ever will.'
When the bill came, Elaine's face drained of colour.
Thomas shifted, ready to protest.
Cass handed over the card before either could speak. His tone was smooth. Confident.
"Put it on my account."
The waiter bowed deeply. "Of course, Mr Vale."
His parents stared at him, stunned.
Cass smiled faintly.
"From today, money serves me. Not the other way around."
The taxi ride home was quiet.
Elaine's hand slipped into his. It was warm, trembling softly.
"Cass… thank you," she whispered.
Thomas's throat cleared. His voice was rough.
"Son… be careful. Men who rise too fast… usually fall faster."
Cass met his father's eyes. His own gaze was calm. Steady.
'Not me. Not this time.'
Later, his room was dim.
However, this was interrupted by a message from the system.
[Tip: In 2003, an American company will IPO. Code name: TSLA]
Cass smirked slowly.
'Tesla. Everyone will laugh. Everyone will mock. But I'll buy the punchline before the world even understands the joke.'
He whispered to his reflection.
"This is just the beginning."
The panel glowed faintly, words appearing like a vow.
[Main Quest Updated: Build a fortune. Protect your family. Rewrite history.]
[Progress: 1%]
Cass's smile deepened, eyes steady and cold.
'And I'll do it with style.'