Amber Ridge had transformed into a town that no one could have imagined just a few months ago. What once were unpaved gravel roads riddled with potholes were now smooth, well-paved streets lined with proper lighting. The old food stalls that had been the pride of the townsfolk were replaced by elegant restaurants catering to both locals and tourists.
Among these establishments, Sea Paradise stood out. Its aquariums filled with live fish attracted crowds, while its menu boasted an array of exquisite seafood dishes. Not far away, Fiery Grill became the town's hotspot for barbecue, with its mouthwatering aroma drawing in diners from neighboring towns. The streets were now dotted with 24/7 convenience stores stocked with everything one could imagine—a stark contrast to the small shops that once carried only the bare essentials.
Beyond commerce, Arnold had prioritized education and skills training for the town's youth. Beside the orphanage, a primary school was under construction, promising quality education for future generations. A newly built training center offered courses in computer literacy, tailoring, and fashion design. These skills would provide the young people of Amber Ridge with opportunities to find jobs, start businesses, or open boutiques, securing their independence and uplifting the community.
The progress had been rapid. Arnold ensured that top-notch materials were used, with skilled workers brought in to complete the work within three weeks. The results were stunning. Even Benjamin and Steven, who had overseen much of the work, were taken aback by how quickly their town had become a gem of the region.
To mark their leadership of Pillarstone Developers and the town's transformation, Arnold had one more surprise for his friends.
"Here," he said, tossing a set of keys to each of them.
Steven caught his and stared at the logo. "Mercedes-Benz?"
"Not just any Benz," Arnold said with a grin. "It's a Maybach GLS. Top-of-the-line SUVs for Amber Ridge's new leaders. You're going to need them."
Benjamin shook his head, awed. "Arnold, this is too much."
"Not for what you've done for this town," Arnold replied firmly. "Drive them proudly."
The Ridgeview Event Hall was alive with laughter and chatter as Arnold, Benjamin, and Steven arrived in their sleek new vehicles. Small groups of four or five former classmates stood scattered throughout the beautifully decorated hall, sharing gossip and memories.
The three friends stepped inside, drawing a few admiring glances. The interior was bathed in warm golden light, with tables arranged neatly along the sides and a dance floor in the center.
"Arnold! Steven! Benjamin!"
They turned to see Catherine and Clara waving at them, both looking radiant in their elegant dresses. Catherine had always been known for her sharp wit and ambition, now studying law at the Maryland Institute of Professional Studies. Clara, her best friend, exuded confidence, her journalism studies at the same institute shaping her into a sharp observer of the world.
"Wow," Clara said, her eyes lighting up as she approached. "I can't believe how much Amber Ridge has changed. It's unrecognizable! I'm here to write a report on the town's development, and let me just say—this place is a gem."
Benjamin smiled modestly. "Thanks. It's been a lot of work, but we're proud of what we've accomplished."
Catherine chimed in, "You should be. This is incredible."
The conversation shifted to catching up on each other's lives. Clara enthusiastically described the hustle and bustle of Maryland, while Catherine lamented the endless hours she spent buried in law books.
"And what about you, Arnold?" Catherine asked. "How's life at Ravenwood?"
"It's fine," Arnold replied. "A lot of time in front of my laptop, programming, and working on assignments."
Clara raised an eyebrow. "Don't make me laugh. You're running Crimson Horizon and you're talking about assignments?"
Arnold chuckled. "It's true. While I handle major decisions for Crimson Horizon, the day-to-day operations are managed by our team. I still have classes to attend and work to do."
Curious, Clara asked, "How did you manage to buy Crimson Horizon? Last I checked, you weren't exactly rolling in money during high school."
Arnold gave her a practiced smile. "The orphanage had some inheritance money in my name. Once it was transferred back to me, I invested in stocks and grew the capital. That gave me the funds to buy Crimson Horizon."
While it wasn't the complete truth, it satisfied Clara's curiosity without revealing his connection to the Sinclair family.
As they talked, the low rumble of an engine drew everyone's attention. Outside, a sleek Aston Martin DB11 rolled up, gleaming under the streetlights.
Arnold instantly recognized the car's passengers: Leon Carter and Lucy Fields.
Leon had been the quintessential rich, arrogant bully during high school, constantly flaunting his wealth and belittling others. Lucy, his girlfriend since then, was equally vain, her loyalty tied to Leon's fortune.
As they stepped out of the car, Catherine leaned in and whispered to Arnold, "I forgot to mention—Leon's the one who organized this event."
Arnold sighed. Great.
Leon spotted them immediately, his expression smug as he strode over with Lucy on his arm.
"Well, well," Leon said, his tone dripping with condescension. "Arnold, Steven, Benjamin. Didn't expect to see you here."
Arnold kept his expression neutral. "Hello, Leon."
Leon smirked. "I've heard some interesting things about Amber Ridge. Apparently, it's undergoing redevelopment? A few of my factory workers used to live there. They mentioned Pillarstone wasn't paying fair compensation for land. What's going on there?"
Steven bristled, but Arnold placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Amber Ridge is doing just fine," Arnold replied evenly.
Leon's grin widened. "Oh, I'm sure it is. But tell me, Arnold, what brings you here? I thought you were busy at Ravenwood."
Lucy interjected with a mocking laugh. "Maybe he needed a break from studying all those books. Poor Arnold, always trying so hard to prove himself."
Arnold ignored her, his tone calm. "I came to support Ben and Steven. And since you're the host, how could I miss it?"
Leon's smile grew sharper. "Ah, yes, you wouldn't want to miss out on a fancy event like this. After all, these kinds of luxuries don't come around every day for… certain people."
Catherine's disapproving glance didn't go unnoticed by Arnold, but he remained composed.
Leon pressed on. "So, Arnold, tell me. Do you own a company yet? A villa? A car? Or are you still figuring out how to get by?"
Arnold met Leon's gaze, his voice steady. "I do own a company. A real estate business."
Leon chuckled, clearly not believing him. "Oh, let me guess—you're running Pillarstone Developers now? How impressive."
"No," Arnold said, his voice sharpening. "It's a company called Crimson Horizon. Perhaps you've heard of it?"
The smirk froze on Leon's face. "Crimson Horizon? That's run by Martin Blake."
"Was," Arnold corrected. "Now it's mine. The Blake family is finished, and Martin is in jail. You're welcome to check the news if you don't believe me."
Murmurs spread through the room as people began searching their phones. Articles confirming Arnold's claims quickly surfaced, detailing the fall of the Blake family and Crimson Horizon's meteoric rise under Arnold's leadership.
Leon's face twisted in disbelief, his voice dropping to a mutter. "No… not again. How is this happening?"
Arnold's tone was polite but edged with steel. "I've had a busy year, Leon. Maybe next time, you'll think twice before assuming you know everything about someone."
Leon, struggling to save face, sneered. "You may own Crimson Horizon, but do you own a car? A villa? Or are you still living like a college kid?"
Arnold smiled faintly. "I live in a dormitory at Ravenwood. It's more fun than you'd expect. As for houses and villas, I own Crimson Horizon—any villa or apartment I want is a phone call away."
Leon's frustration was palpable. "Well, I own an Aston Martin DB11. It's worth three hundred grand. I also own a villa and make hundreds of thousands every month."
"Impressive," Arnold replied. "But we're not here to compare. Why don't we enjoy the food and drinks you've provided?"
Leon, sensing a chance to regain control, nodded. "Of course. Let's celebrate."
Arnold joined Steven and Benjamin at the snack table, exchanging knowing glances.
Catherine approached, her expression apologetic. "Arnold, I'm sorry about Leon. I thought he might've changed."
Clara huffed. "He needs a taste of his own medicine."
Arnold smirked. "I think I have an idea."