Urban Plundering: I Corrupted The System!

Chapter 112 In Silence

Ere emerged a heartbeat later, her shadowy form weaving out from beneath the car before she fully materialized—her silvery eyes catching the starlight. She didn't speak either.

She just leapt gracefully onto the hood beside him, curling her tail neatly around herself as she stared out at the city in complete silence. For once, she wasn't smug.

No clever remarks. No sarcasm.

Just quiet.

The wind tugged gently at Parker's hair, tousling it as he gazed out over the skyline. This was the side of LA people didn't always think about.

Not the parties. Not the fake smiles or the chaos.

Just... this.

The pulse of the city.

The beauty of it all. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire

The stars above seemed clearer than usual—like the night had brushed away the usual haze, letting the constellations cut through the darkness. Orion's Belt. The North Star. Bright pinpricks scattered endlessly, so far yet so... steady.

He exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the cool air.

There was no noise.

No pressure.

No damn family breathing down his neck.

For this time, it was just him and Ere... And the silence didn't feel so heavy, Ere finally spoke, but her voice was softer than usual. Almost... thoughtful. "You're thinking about them again."

Parker didn't answer right away. His gaze lingered on the skyline, the city's heartbeat below so distant yet oddly soothing.

"Yeah," he muttered eventually, voice quiet. "It's hard not to sometimes." Silence stretched between them again, but not uncomfortable.

The wind picked up, ruffling the trees behind them.

Ere didn't press further. She didn't need to.

She just sat there beside him, her silver eyes reflecting both the stars and the endless lights below.

And that was enough.

****

The ride back was slower. Calmer.

Parker guided the black Lambo down the winding roads with far less aggression, the engine's purr steady but subdued this time. The night air, still crisp against his skin through the slightly open window, carried a strange calmness. The city lights blurred past him, less chaotic, almost soothing in their distant glow now.

His mind drifted—back to the silence on that hill, back to the skyline, back to the things he couldn't quite shake.

But then came the practical thoughts.

The plans.

The Lambo hummed quietly beneath him as he coasted through the quieter parts of Beverly Hills. Stopped at a red light, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. Cassidy.

Parker: Need you to contact the bank for a withdrawal. $500k. Cash.

He didn't need to explain further. She knew how his finances worked, how easily his holding company could pull that kind of money. Cassidy had handled riskier transactions without anyone raising an eyebrow. Half a million in cash? Nothing more than a small errand.

The light turned green. He slid the phone down and gripped the wheel again, the leather cool beneath his fingers as the car responded with perfect smoothness.

The mansion was already visible in the distance when his phone buzzed.

Cassidy: Consider it done. Money will be ready from tomorrow. Call if you need anything else.

He nodded faintly to himself, satisfied.

By the time he reached the mansion gates, the towering estate was lit softly, the warm glow spilling across the stone driveway. The engine's soft growl died down as he killed the ignition. Silence settled, heavier this time.

The massive double doors opened as he approached. Naomi and Elena were nowhere to be seen—good. It was late, and he preferred it that way. Less interaction. Less noise.

He leaned against the entryway for a moment, pulling out his phone again. Another message sent.

Parker: Blackstone Tower. Send the black Speedtail and the Mercedes to the mansion in the next three days. Keys are in the penthouse. No damage. No scratches.

The response came back almost instantly.

Blackstone Adminstration: Understood. Cars will be delivered soon.

Done.

Parker exhaled, pressing his thumb and forefinger into his eyes for a moment. The weight of the day was finally sinking in.

He moved through the mansion with purpose, the polished marble floors cool beneath his steps. Every corner was pristine, every detail perfect—but it still felt empty.

No voices. No warmth.

Not that he needed it.

He made his way upstairs, pulling off his jacket and tossing it onto a chair before heading into the bathroom. The lights came on with a soft glow, reflecting his sharp features in the wide mirror.

The shower was hot. Scalding, almost. The steam clouded the glass as he leaned forward.

His eyes closed, letting the heat chase away the lingering tension in his body. The steady cascade hammered against his shoulders, washing the day's weight from his skin, but it couldn't quite rinse the thoughts from his mind.

The silence here was different. Not heavy, but cleansing.

By the time he stepped out of the shower, steam clung to the mirrors, distorting his reflection. He wiped the fog away with a swipe of his hand, staring at his face—sharp, cold, controlled. Always controlled.

Throwing on a pair of black sweatpants, Parker moved toward his massive bed, dimming the lights with a snap of his fingers. The room shifted into a low, calming glow as he climbed onto the center of the bed, crossing his legs with practiced ease.

The silk sheets cool against his skin as he collapsed into bed. Ere appeared from the shadows once again, silent, curling up at the edge of the bed without a word.

Parker stared at the ceiling, mind already drifting even as his body surrendered to the calm.

Tomorrow.

A buzz from his phone pulled his attention back. Tessa.

Tessa: Hey, everything okay? Missed you.

Parker: Fine. Just handling business. What's up?

She replied instantly.

Tessa: I just wanted to check on you. You seemed...distant lately. Thought we were tight?

Parker exhaled, rolling his neck. Tight? That was pushing it. But Tessa was one of the few who actually cared without some hidden motive. She deserved a bit more than his usual cold deflections.

Parker: Been busy. You know how it is. I'm good, though. Thanks for checking in.

He stared at the screen for a beat longer, then set the phone down. Enough socializing for tonight.

Time to focus.

The Omni Energy flowed at his call—slow at first, a pulse starting deep in his core. Parker inhaled, steady, controlled, drawing it inward. The energy responded, coiling like a living current, weaving through his body as he guided it with his mind.

Warmth spread through his chest, a surge of raw power seeping into his bones. Every inhale pulled more of it, and with every exhale, his body felt lighter. Stronger.

The thrill was intoxicating.

It wasn't just magic. It was—like tapping into the very threads of existence, bending them at his will. His mind sharpened as the energy coursed through his veins, every sense heightened. He could feel the air shift, the faint hum of the mansion's power systems, the subtle heartbeat of life around him.

Ere, curled fully into the bed, stirred. One silver eye cracked open, glinting in the low light as if sensing the shift.

Parker's breathing slowed further.

He wasn't just absorbing it now. He was becoming it, almost, one with energy flow.

The surge intensified, heat building in his chest. He rode the sensation, careful not to lose control, letting the energy pool deep within his core like a coiled spring. Focus. This wasn't a sprint. It was a steady climb.

Minutes turned to an hour. Then two.

Finally, the energy dulled, retreating to its resting place.

The thrill faded, but the satisfaction remained.

Power. Real, tangible power.

He exhaled one last time, then let his body sink gully back onto the mattress, the tension finally gone. The room was silent except for the soft rhythm of his breath.

And as he closed his eyes, sleep finally took him.