People had previously viewed Zack’s claim of a connection with Victor Green as a mere ruse, designed to manipulate and intimidate his enemies. Given Zack’s extensive network of adversaries, many suspected the assertion was a strategic ploy.

The number of viewers surged drastically, driven by the public's intense curiosity about Victor Green—the so-called "prince of hell" who allegedly killed a prime minister without facing any consequences.

Nobody anticipated that the prince of darkness would epitomize physical perfection. His black hair and eyes contrast beautifully with his creamy complexion, the mask seemed to intensify his charm, making the hidden half of his face all the more intriguing as if the danger he exuded only heightened his striking, almost cruel beauty. His only flaw was that he spoke like an AI-generated voice and lacked emotional expression.

"The GoBee is being developed as a better and more trustworthy social media platform for all generations, to create and share happiness. It allows you to share your thoughts, photographs, videos, articles, and stories..."

As Victor concluded his speech, a hesitant applause spread through the room. It grew louder, not from enthusiasm but from an unspoken obligation that weighed on the guests like a silent command. Faces remained tight, eyes flickering nervously, each clap driven more by fear than praise. The applause, though loud, felt hollow, a forced display of approval for a man no one dared to disappoint.

At that moment, Yuna moved forward, emerging from Victor's back.

“Thank you, Victor,” She adjusted the mic with a fluid motion, her movements confident and graceful.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as Victor has outlined, GoBee is here to revolutionize how we connect and share. But let me tell you more about what makes GoBee truly special.”

"Because the goal of GoBee is to create and share happiness, it has a unique feature in which the GoBee will link to the e-commerce platform, where you can be a business partner or a shopper. When you shop on this site, 1% of the revenue goes straight to the heart structure; everyone can see how many hearts there are. And the amount of hearts represents how much we could give to the mentioned non-profit organization, such as cancer research."

"To provide a clearer understanding of GoBee’s features," She said, "we have prepared a detailed video presentation."

With a deft motion, Victor started the video, which began to play on the screen.

As the video presentation ended, there was a glimmer in her eyes that spoke of something more. Her lips, which had been consistently curved in a warm, engaging smile, now held a hint of a mischievous twist—a playful secret just beneath the surface.

“Zack,” she began, “For every GoBee application installed within the first 15 minutes, he will contribute one heart to the heart feature.” She paused for effect, letting the excitement build in the room. “Let’s install the app together and see how quickly we can accumulate hearts to spread the love. Just imagine the impact we can make in the next few minutes!”

She gestured towards the TV screen, which now displayed the GoBee app’s installation page. “Head over to the app store, get the GoBee app."

Yuna surprised Zack by pressuring him to donate to the non-profit organization supported by GoBee. With each heart representing one dollar, the installed base of a million GoBee platforms meant he was required to contribute a million dollars.

Yuna took a break, and renowned musicians took the stage to perform. Victor, seated beside Yuna, couldn’t suppress a chuckle as he noticed the men nearby, visibly trembling like a leaf near their chair.

“I never expected this event to be so thrilling," Leaning closer to Yuna, he whispered with a playful tone, "This kind of torture was way more enjoyable than I usually do."

"Stop being freaky, Victor. Can't you see how the person beside you breaks out in a cold sweat? You should have stayed in your seat."

“So, they’re free to curse you and spout nonsense, but I can’t have a little fun with them?” Victor’s lips pursed as he spoke loudly, ensuring the people around could hear him.

"Seal your mouth. I already smelled pee." Yuna sighed, discreetly pinching Victor’s wrist.

When the items inside the mystery box were exposed, the man who peed on the pants said, "She's going to auction her kind—a lot of rubbish. If she were to put herself up for auction, I may have bid $1000." Then someone else added, "Doesn't she know how busy we are simply to be forced to attend this event where she's selling trash? Disgraceful!"

"But I can't unheared everything they rant, though," Victor said, leaning closer to whisper in Yuna’s ear, though his voice remained audible. His piercing raven eyes roamed over the crowd, reflecting a chilling intensity.

...

As the countdown neared its final moments, Yuna reappeared on stage with a graceful poise. The audience’s murmurs quieted as she took her place, commanding attention.

“The countdown is almost over,” She paused, allowing the suspense to build. “We’ll witness an incredible outpouring of support from kindhearted people who joined us to install GoBee, to support our cause, and to create and share happiness. Now, let’s check the results”

15...

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This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The screen suddenly flooded with animated hearts, their vibrant colors filling the display. For a moment, the hearts seemed to dance in celebration, and then, as the screen cleared, the total number of installations appeared in bold, striking numbers: 75,012,154.

Yuna’s heart skipped a beat as she absorbed the enormity of the figure. The realization that Zack was now expected to contribute $75 million to the non-profit organization weighed heavily on her. The ambitious plan she had orchestrated was far beyond what she had anticipated, and she felt a knot of worry form in her stomach.

"Wow! That was a surprising number."

Both the online viewers and the live audience erupted into applause. Amid the celebration, Yuna struggled to hold back her tears, anxious that Zack might refuse to cover the amount. Her fears began to ease as she glanced at the screen again. The download numbers transformed into a cascade of green hearts then converted into the equivalent amount in dollars. A congratulatory message flashed on the screen, announcing the selected non-profit organization that would receive the check.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Yuna announced, her voice filled with enthusiasm, “we’re now resuming our bidding auction, and I present the first-ever GoBee product for bid: this wooden car toy.”

The audience watched with keen interest as Yuna continued. “Anyone can bid on this exclusive item, including our viewers at home. The winning bid amount will go straight to help children with cancer.”

As Yuna finished her statement, she signaled the start of the bidding process.

Just a second after Yuna began the bidding, the large screen displayed a new bid—an astounding $25 million. The number flashed across the screen with bold, undeniable clarity. Whispers of amazement and disbelief swept through the audience as they tried to process the enormity of the bid.

The online bidder’s identity remained a mystery, adding an element of intrigue to the auction. Speculations buzzed through the audience—who could afford to make such a generous contribution just for a wooden toy?

Yuna’s emotions were a whirlwind as she held the wooden toy she had cherished for over a decade. A mixture of happiness and sadness washed over her—a bittersweet feeling of letting go of something meaningful, yet knowing it was for a worthy cause.

The second item was an antique wind chime crafted from natural bamboo. The president placed the highest bid, and it sold for an impressive 200 thousand dollars.

As the focus shifted to the third item—a necklace amulet made from exotic materials—Yuna seized the opportunity to issue a challenge. With a dazzling grin, she proposed that if attendees didn’t win a bid, they should become GoBee partners.

Despite initial reluctance, the pressure of public scrutiny and the lure of GoBee’s platform made refusal impractical.

The amulet sparked fierce competition, selling for an astounding $20 million. The high bid wasn’t just about the item's value—it reflected the bidders' desire to avoid risking opposition to the powerful Avere family.

The president shook his head from side to side, grinning. 'Damn, this girl! I’d pay to see Owen’s face right now. This is too entertaining. The tables have completely turned.'

The thrill coursing through him was more exhilarating than his presidential victory announcement.

...

Blood rushed to Owen Avere’s face, his former smug expression crumbling into rage. His mouth, once twitching with laughter, now quivered in fury. The thick tobacco scattered across the floor, joining the shards of his shattered tequila glass.

“At least she’s doing well for the Avere Group,” he muttered, comforting himself.

Behind his back, Zack smirked. 'I’ve waited long enough to see that look on your face, Grandfather. But don’t worry—there’s more surprise to come.'

His fingers brushed the scars on his wrist, a subtle reminder of what had brought him to this point. Resisting the urge to speak, Zack focused on staying silent, determined not to spoil the final surprise. He wanted Owen to suffer through every excruciating moment and watch the event unfold until the end.

...

With a warm smile, Yuna concluded the event.

“Before we close tonight, I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Because of your generosity, we’ve raised nearly half a billion to support our mission.”

She paused briefly, before dropping a bomb-like statement “My husband, Zack, has always been passionate about creating a legacy that lasts beyond a lifetime. To clarify, GoBee—a platform aimed at connecting and helping people—is not affiliated with the Avere Group. This initiative stands on its own, driven by a commitment to make a lasting impact.”

...

Owen draws his revolver, aiming it at Zack's head with bloodshot eyes full of fury. Zack's voice trembles with false vulnerability, pleading, "Why are you doing this, Grandpa?" Owen, satisfied with his grandson’s apparent fear, lowers the gun and pats his shoulder, believing Zack’s survival depends on his submission.

Zack plays the obedient puppet, his eyes brimming with fake tears as he humbly pleads, "I am nothing without you, Grandpa. Please take care of me." Owen, feeling triumphant, smirks. "I know you are a good child, Zack. You never go against your grandfather. The GoBee will undoubtedly be extremely successful in a short amount of time. So trust your granddad to take care of it. I'll increase its effectiveness."

His confident, prideful facade crumbled as Zack’s expression shifted from feigned sorrow to a mocking grin. “Got you again, Grandpa. Didn’t you always say, ‘Never trust an Avere’?”

“Cut the crap, Zachary Hudson! You think you’re funny?” Owen roared, his veins bulging in his temples. His voice, a thunderous roar, seemed to tear through the room.

“Funny? Grandpa, I’ve played the clown for too long. I’ve been biding my time to reveal my true self. Aren’t I an excellent actor?” Zack, still handcuffed, crossed his legs and casually rubbed his eyes with both palms.

"Haha. Surprise! Did you see it coming? Are you regretting why you didn't kill me when I was young?"

His palm trembled with fury as he tightened his grip on the weapon again. “Y-you! Insulent—” Owen's words came out in a disjointed, stammering burst of anger.

“Hmmm, I almost forgot. You did try to kill me when I was ten by sending someone to slit my wrists and make it look like suicide.” Zack raised an eyebrow and smirked, his lip curling in disdain. Owen’s eyes widened in shock, the revelation striking him with unexpected force.

“How did he know I was the one who sent the assassin?” Zack mimicked Owen’s panicked expression. “Oh, and before you aim a pistol at someone, make sure there’s a bullet in it.” He said with a mocking tone, raising his hand to display the handcuff now dangling from the gun as he stood up.

"Voila! Magic."

To prevent Zack from escaping and helping Yuna, he was confined to the mansion with a handcuff securing him like a prisoner.

Owen’s shoulders slumped, his once-proud stance now a portrait of fury. His face, etched with deep lines of weariness, showed the toll of countless defeats.

"The three days eating cereal with a handcuff on were worth it just to see your expression, Grandpa." His voice was laced with a smirk, emphasizing his satisfaction and disdain.

"So, this is your declaration of war against me? Zack, stop being so cocky about yourself. Without Avere's name, you are a worthless piece of sh*t."

"Correction, Grandpa. First, I let you slander my name and use all the defamation to let the world know how awful Avere is. Second, the war had long started. It's just you who are so dumb to believe that I am nothing without you."

Zack made a carefree exit from the Avere mansion.