Chapter 146: Purchasing Second Vehicle
While they prepped the vehicle and did all the registration crap behind the scenes, Xavier sipped his drink, leaned back, and kept talking to his fans—laughing, answering random questions, and even roasting one viewer who asked if the GhostRider could fly.
"Why didn't I get a hovercar instead?" Xavier read a comment.
"Well, I would love to have a hovercar, but I have heard that parking it is a hassle and you can't take it around everywhere. I don't want to waste my time like that. I would rather get the hover taxi and that would do the same thing."
By the time the car arrived out front—gleaming under the showroom lights—ten million people were watching a man who'd just casually dropped millions like pocket change.
A few minutes later, the glass doors slid open with a soft chime.
The employee walked in with a proud smile. "Sir, your vehicle is ready."
Xavier stood, dusted off his jacket, and followed him outside.
The GhostRider X9 stood like a beast in the moonlight—sleek black with blood-red streaks running across the frame, low and wide with gull-wing doors raised like arms waiting to embrace the road. Its surface gleamed like polished obsidian, reflecting the lights from the showroom above. The rims pulsed with a faint neon hue, and the rear had twin exhausts that looked more like rocket vents.
Fans watching the stream went wild.
"OH MY GOD LOOK AT THAT THING"
"BRO BOUGHT A FUTURE SPACESHIP WTF"
"DOES IT EVEN HAVE WHEELS???"
"RIP his bike—it served well"
The employee gestured toward the car. "We've installed the full AI luxury suite, including command voice sync, adaptive seat memory, environmental response, and—of course—auto-cruise override. The vehicle's already linked to your ID."
"Let's see how good your choice is, you guys. If I don't like it, I will probably do a give away."
Xavier then turned to the employee and said, "Can you deliver my bike at the nexus tower?"
"Of course."
Xavier thanked the employee and tipped him a million dollars.
Then, he stepped toward the backseat.
The door slid shut behind him with a soft hiss, sealing the world outside. The interior was lined with plush black leather, with crimson threads forming diamond patterns across the seats. Cold air whispered gently from hidden vents. A soft tune played in the background—something orchestral but modern.
A glowing panel appeared on the glass in front of him.
"Welcome, Xavier."
"Please state your destination."
He leaned back, crossed his legs, and said calmly:
"Take me to Nexus Tower."
The AI responded in a silky voice:
"Affirmative. Estimated arrival: 47 minutes. Would you like to activate auto-darkening mode for windows?"
"Nah. Let them see me."
"Understood."
The engine purred to life. Not with a roar, but with a deep, heavy hum—like a beast waking from sleep.
Then, the car pulled forward, slipped onto the road, and melted into the night.
Inside, Xavier tilted his head back, arms folded, eyes half-closed. His stream was still on, and people were flooding the chat, begging for interior shots, asking if he'd ditch the bike for good, if he'd review the AI, if he'd do a race someday.
He just smirked and whispered into the mic:
"First class. Always."
The car surged ahead.
And behind him, the city watched in awe as the GhostRider X9, carrying the man who had just destroyed Ethan's empire and claimed a throne in the Red Family, sliced through the streets like a shadow dipped in fire.
The GhostRider X9 glided to a smooth stop at the grand entrance of Nexus Tower. The guards posted at the gate, the valets, even the passerby elites—all turned their heads toward the sleek black beast that looked too advanced for even this city of giants.
Some recognized the man inside before he even stepped out. Others started recording the moment the door lifted.
Xavier didn't rush. He slid out with the calm of a man who knew all eyes were on him. His jacket shifted slightly in the breeze, and the reflection of the tower lights danced off his polished shoes.
He shut the door with a light tap and looked back at the car.
"Go park yourself."
"Affirmative," the AI responded softly.
The GhostRider hummed to life and drove off on its own, blending with the stream of traffic that automatically gave way, like a parting sea.
Xavier turned, walked up the glimmering steps, and entered the Nexus Tower. The sensor recognized him instantly, and the guards at the front gave a sharp nod—almost robotic in their respect now.
He got into the elevator, pressed for the 55th floor, and leaned against the wall. The ride up was silent except for the soft instrumental music playing in the background.
When the doors opened, Xavier stepped into the corridor and headed straight to his apartment.
PP 69.
He unlocked the door, stepped in, and was instantly hit with the cozy scent of something sweet—probably hot chocolate—and a flickering TV light from the living room.
Lyra and Lilia were sitting on the couch, barefoot, curled in soft blankets, eyes glued to some chaotic show on the big screen.
But the moment they noticed him—
"XAVIER!"
"You're finally back!"
Both girls shot up like springs.
Lilia pointed a finger. "Where the hell were you?!"
Lyra had a small frown but softer tone. "Master… you were out for hours. With that woman."
Lilia folded her arms. "Yeah. That woman. Yelena, right? Why was she with you? What happened at the casino? We saw you live-streaming that car haul like a celebrity but not one word about the girl."
Xavier blinked.
Then walked in, loosened his collar, and collapsed onto the giant couch like a king returning from war.
"Water," he said, just to mess with them.
Lyra instinctively moved toward the kitchen.
But Lilia raised an eyebrow. "Don't change the subject."
Xavier smirked, kicked his feet up, and looked at the TV like none of them were there.
"I had dinner," he said, slow. "Some wine. Got a floor badge. Joined the Red Family. Bought a car."
Then he turned to them, eyes gleaming just a little.
"And yeah. The girl was with me. We ate. We talked. She left."
He didn't mention the kiss on the napkin. Or the glare.
Lilia's eyes narrowed. "That's it?"
Lyra bit her lip. "Was she… pretty?"
Xavier gave a half-shrug. "She wasn't ugly."
"Xavier!"
"Alright, alright," he laughed and leaned forward, running a hand through his hair. "She was dangerous. Calm on the surface, but there's a fire behind her eyes. She lied to me. I got back at her. End of story."
He leaned back again.
"Now someone please bring me cold water before I collapse."