Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Intelligence Edge: From Zero to Billionaire: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

Click.At the sound of the door opening, Chris Carter poked his head out from the kitchen, a cartoon-printed apron tied neatly around his waist.His face lit up with a fawning smile, his voice carrying a spark of anticipation."Hey babe, glad you're back. I figured you could use a good meal after your day. I made those spicy-sweet wings you love, some ribs, and a pot of my famous soup to help you unwind."But Katie Jenning's beautiful face was as cold as frost. Without sparing him a glance, she swung her Chanel handbag onto the entryway cabinet with a heavy thud.Her eyes raked over him, her lips curling into a sneer."Cook, cook, cook! Chris, is that all you're good for? Hanging around the kitchen? What the hell do you actually do?""Look at Cynthia's husband—he just made Managing Director last month. He's pulling in over a million a year! And Casey's husband? He runs his own firm and just bought a luxury condo downtown last week! And then there's you. You're a joke. You're pat

Emma's voice carried not just shock, but something else too—something faint, almost imperceptible… excitement?Chris hadn't had time to dwell on it when Emma said quickly, "Chris, that doesn't mean we can't still be friends! So if you're in trouble, just tell me. If I can help, I will!"A warm current spread through Chris's chest.But borrowing money from his ex-sister-in-law… that still felt a little awkward.Yet when he thought of the massive payout coming from the Westridge Terrace demolition, his hesitation solidified into grim resolve."Yeah," he admitted, the word tasting like ash. "I... I need some money."What was pride, anyway? He'd left his dignity at the door the day he became Katie's househusband. He could scrape it back together later, after the dust from Westridge Terrace settled and his bank account was full.Taking a deep breath, as if stepping off a cliff, he forced the number out."I need a lot, actually... three hundred thousand. Is that even possible?"Even

Night had fallen, and the city lights shimmered awake.Inside a private dining room of an elegant restaurant, Chris lifted his glass, his expression more solemn than ever before."Emma, I have to drink this toast to you." His voice carried a trace of emotion. "I'm already divorced from your sister, yet you still trust me without hesitation. You didn't even ask for a reason before lending me three hundred thousand. That's a debt of kindness I'll remember for the rest of my life."Emma's cheeks flushed faintly. She hurriedly raised her glass of juice in return."Chris, please don't say that."She took a sip, then looked at him with earnest eyes. "Even if you're no longer my brother-in-law, to me, you've always been an exceptional person. Compared to the help you've given me, this money is nothing."A warmth spread through Chris's chest. He downed his drink in one go.They spoke for a long time over that meal—memories of the past, their worries, and fragile hopes for the future.W

A cold, mechanical chime echoed in his mind.[The intelligence only indicated that your mother, Laura, would have her left calf grazed by a yellow modified motorcycle. The specific location of the incident was not a fixed variable.]Chris was speechless.'Seriously? So this so-called "intelligence" is dynamic? The location can change, but the event is inevitable?'He almost laughed out of sheer exasperation.This system… was it brilliantly intelligent, or just a massive pain?Gently helping his shaken mother to her feet, he asked urgently, "Mom, are you okay? How's your ankle?"Laura patted her chest, her heart still racing. "Oh, sweetheart, that scared me half to death! I think I just twisted my ankle a little when you pulled me. It's fine, really."She looked at him, completely bewildered. "Chris, what in the world was that? That blond kid was driving like a maniac!"Before Chris could even begin to formulate an explanation, Laura suddenly snapped her fingers as if she'd had

On the other side of town, Chris ended the call, steadied his emotions, and decided it was time to tell his mother about the demolition payout.He walked into Laura's room. She was sitting on the bed, carefully folding clothes, each one pressed into perfect lines and corners."Mom."Chris sat down beside her."Hm? What is it, Chris?" Laura answered without looking up.Drawing a deep breath, he said slowly, "The demolition compensation for Westridge Terrace came through."Laura blinked, confused. "Oh, the money's here… wait, what? Westridge Terrace was demolished?"She was stunned. Hadn't her son just bought a place there? And it was already being torn down?Chris met her eyes and spoke clearly, emphasizing each word: "After paying back every single loan, we still have 537,000 dollars left.""What?" Laura cupped her ear, certain she had misheard. "Say that again. How much?"Knowing she needed time to process, he repeated patiently, "Five hundred and thirty-seven thousand dolla