The Prestige Novels & Stories

He looked so proud, my throat felt tight. “This year, Prestige Global has donated over fifteen million dollars to various charitable causes.” I continued, my eyes darting towards the board members. “From education initiatives, to housing programs, and medical research. We’ve done this because we believe that Prestige Global is more than just its balance sheet. We are a member of the community and we have responsibilities to this community.” I tapped the podium slightly, my voice rising. My eyes found Eric and I resisted the urge to smile at the confusion on his face. He was no longer standing so close to Kara. He narrowed his eyes at me. I was going off the script he gave me.

If I was terrified when Preston first learned the truth about the four of us, this was ten times worse. It wasn’t just him who could intimidate me—even his father! I remembered Dalia telling me that his family was extremely wealthy. Preston’s father had been on Farvo’s World’s Billionaire List since he was thirty-five. Preston himself was ranked in the Top 18 at seventeen. So, who wouldn’t be intimidated by their family? I wasn’t influential like them—or at all. Unlike them, I grew up struggling just to survive, barely having enough to eat or a place to sleep.

Thea came out of the station to find Preston waiting for her at the front of the precinct. Leaning against his car and in a three-piece suit, designer loafers, perfectly styled hair, and dark sunglasses, he looked every bit of the billionaire he was. Around her women stopped to stare while men stopped to probably admire his car. A flashy black Audi that even she couldn't help but admire. Sometimes she forgot that he was also rich.

He was none other than Preston, a rich heir. Preston felt that the performance of the super sports car Dante bought was just too awesome. His appearance must be very handsome, and he would gain Ada's attention. "Mr. Aldridge, here you are!" Harmony smiled lightly and went to Preston. She then said to Ada, "Ada, this is Mr. Preston Aldridge. He's a famous rich heir in Little Xeottect. I think you guys will have a lot to talk about." "Ms. Pendragon, nice to meet you." Preston extended his hand to Ada. He did not know Ada, so he had asked Harmony to help introduce them to each other so as not to be rude.

Every move and word was deliberate yet effortless. With elegance and poise, she navigated the social circles flawlessly. One by one, the city’s most influential families took note. They were impressed—some even captivated. When beauty accompanies true skill, it elevates everything. But when there's only beauty, it becomes a woman’s greatest burden… and her curse. Preston retrieved a glass of light champagne from a passing server and handed it to her. “We’ve pretty much wrapped up the important families. Do you want to approach Paige now?”

Then, in unison, every device came alive again. One word glowed across every surface, painted in molten gold letters that seemed to pulse with life: PRIDE. Alessandro stared at it, disbelief shadowing his face. “What does it mean?” Elena’s chest rose and fell, her eyes brimming with tears. Matteo’s voice slid through her veins like liquid light. It’s what they stole from me. And now, I’ll take it back.

Nothing more. Naomi forced herself to compose her emotions so she could perform her job properly. Professionalism, she reminded herself. Still, no matter how beautiful the bride’s makeup was, it felt as though heaven and earth had conspired in favor of the groom. And to be fair, Zente Larazo del Heirro looked like a demigod—astonishingly handsome in real life. No wonder his films had earned billions since his youth.

“I’m telling you, whatever my grandfather says is law in Haverbrook. Pay ten million dollars or sleep with me. Otherwise, he’ll make sure you won’t even know what hit you!” Preston then shot me a contemptuous glance. “You’re just an intern driving a Rimac. You could work forever and still not come close to paying this off.” As he spoke, he reached for my chest. I could not tolerate the arrogant look on his face any longer and threw a punch. “Argh!” Preston clutched his nose and staggered back a few steps. Blood started seeping through his fingers. “So, you’ve chosen the hard way, huh?”

"Oh, and work-wise? Super diligent. Never shirks responsibility, always grabs extra tasks. One salary, but he works like two or three people. A hardworking mule like that—where else would you find one?" Laughter rippled through the room. "Alicia, you praise Benjamin so much, then who are you going to marry?" "Yeah, we're all shipping you and Chuck! You can't just break the ship!" Alicia smiled. "Marriage is marriage, love is love. Honestly, if we talk about marriage, Benjamin's actually more suitable—he can manage formal events, cook at home, works hard, and puts his back into it." At that moment, I pushed the door open. The once lively room froze instantly.

The data chip remained hidden, a precious treasure close to her skin. Finally, the night of the third moon arrived. The city, bathed in its cool, ethereal glow, seemed to hold its breath. Anya navigated the twisting streets of District 17, her heart pounding against her ribs. She reached Midnight Alley, a notorious den of thieves and scavengers. The air hung heavy with the smell of stale food and something vaguely chemical.