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>Chapter 1: The End of Jacob Philop
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Jacob Philop was a man who prided himself on being untouchable. To the world, he was a self-made billionaire, the genius CEO of Philop Global, a corporation that monopolized industries ranging from technology to energy. But his public image as a visionary leader was nothing more than a polished mask.
In truth, Jacob's empire wasn't built on innovation or goodwill—it was built on blood. He was the puppet master of a hidden underworld, orchestrating wars, assassinations, and corruption on a global scale. Smuggling operations funded his ventures. Governments crumbled under his influence. Entire nations were pawns in his grand game of dominance.
Yet, for all his power, Jacob was haunted by a singular frustration: his humanity. No matter how many resources he controlled, no matter how many enemies he crushed, he remained bound by the frailties of his mortal body.
Sitting in his penthouse office atop Philop Tower, Jacob reviewed the latest reports from his operatives. A civil war in the Middle East had gone exactly as planned—his proxies had destabilized the region, and Philop Global was poised to claim lucrative contracts for reconstruction.
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the skyline. "If only I could transcend this flesh," he muttered to himself. "Imagine what I could achieve if I didn't have to rely on fools and cowards."
His thoughts turned to the novels he loved—Eastern fantasies about cultivation and immortality. In those stories, men and women rose above their mortal limitations, wielding powers that could crush mountains and split seas. Jacob envied those fictional protagonists. In his world, even with all his wealth and power, he was still vulnerable.
"Sir," his secretary's voice broke his thoughts. She entered with her usual efficiency, a folder in hand. Her eyes never met his; she knew better than to test his patience. "The board meeting is scheduled for ten minutes. Shall I prepare the materials?"
"Don't waste my time with pointless questions," Jacob replied coldly. "Just ensure the board knows who controls this company."
"Understood," she murmured, retreating quickly.
Jacob's lips curled into a faint smirk. He had files on every board member—dirt that could ruin their lives, destroy their families, or worse. They were loyal because he allowed them no choice.
Turning to his hidden surveillance feed, he observed the boardroom. Cameras captured every angle, every nervous glance and whispered conversation. Fools, he thought. You're all under my thumb, whether you know it or not.
He switched to another feed, this one showing a luxurious suite where one of his mistresses lounged on a silk sofa. She was just another pawn, a tool to satisfy his whims. Women, to Jacob, were disposable—objects to be used and discarded when they outlived their usefulness.
Satisfied, he stood and straightened his tie. It was time to remind his subordinates why he ruled.
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The boardroom was eerily quiet when Jacob entered. His presence alone was enough to command silence. Dressed in a tailored black suit, his every step exuded authority. The board members shifted uncomfortably as he took his seat at the head of the table.
But Jacob noticed the tension in their postures, the subtle glances they exchanged. Something was off.
The CFO, Martin Graves, cleared his throat and stood. His expression was calm, but his eyes gleamed with malice. "Jacob, this meeting isn't about quarterly profits. The board has decided—unanimously—that you are unfit to continue as CEO of Philop Global. Effective immediately, you are removed from all positions of authority."
For a moment, Jacob said nothing. Then he chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Unfit? That's bold coming from a man who owes his career to my charity. Sit down, Martin, before I ruin your life."
Martin's smirk deepened. "I'm afraid you don't understand. This isn't just a vote of no confidence. We've partnered with international regulators, whistleblowers, and even your so-called allies. All your offshore accounts are frozen. Your assets are being seized as we speak."
Jacob's eyes narrowed. "You think you can strip me of my power? Everything you have, everything you are, exists because I allowed it."
Security guards entered the room, their weapons drawn. "Escort him out," Martin ordered.
Jacob's voice dropped to a cold whisper. "You're making a mistake, Martin. You don't have the spine to keep what you've stolen."
As the guards grabbed his arms, Jacob didn't resist. Instead, he turned to the rest of the board. "You think you're safe because you're in this room? I know your secrets. Your weaknesses. Your families. You will all pay for this betrayal."
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Rain lashed against the car windows as Jacob sat in the back seat, his mind racing. His driver glanced nervously at him in the rearview mirror. "Sir, where should I take you? The media is everywhere, and your private estates are being raided."
"Drive," Jacob snapped. His calm demeanor had vanished, replaced by seething rage.
He checked his phone, but his encrypted network had been shut down. The betrayal was total. His mistresses, his allies, even his closest lieutenants—they had all turned against him.
For years, he had ruled like a god among men, but now the illusion was shattered. He was just a mortal, vulnerable to the forces he had once controlled.
The driver spoke hesitantly. "Sir, if I may... what will you do now?"
Jacob's eyes burned with fury. "What will I do? I will destroy them. Every last one of them."
But as the car approached a sharp bend in the highway, the blinding lights of a truck appeared. The driver swerved too late.
As his vision dimmed, a bitter realization gripped him: I am dying. After all my efforts, after all my power... I am still just a man.
His final thought was one of rage and regret. If I had been more than human... if I had been like those cultivators in the novels I loved... no one could have stopped me.
Darkness claimed him.
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End of Chapter 1
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