Chapter 10: Shopping
Somewhere in the heart of Mount West — the bustling commercial capital — towers a sleek 36-story skyscraper: the headquarters of Reaper Entertainment . As the country’s premier production company, Reaper Entertainment manages the nation’s top idols, film stars, and cultural icons. With a staggering valuation of over $18.7 billion , it stands as a dominant force in the entertainment industry — publicly known for its glamor, but privately entwined in deeper, more covert operations.
But beyond its glitzy exterior lies a secret.
Between the 35th and 36th floors — where no elevator stops and no official blueprints dare mark — exists a hidden floor, accessible only through biometric authentication and a hidden side elevator masked as a maintenance shaft.
There, in a corner office with full-length glass walls and a sweeping view of the city skyline, sits a woman in her late twenties.
Monica Vale .
Elegant, precise, and dangerously intelligent, Monica is more than she appears. While the world sees her as a high-ranking executive at Reaper Entertainment, her real role is far more significant: she is Miles’s personal assistant, confidante, and the quiet executor of his multi-billion-dollar empire — an empire hidden in plain sight, spanning tech holdings, global defense contracts, offshore investments, and a private security network that rivals governments.
Her demeanor is composed and unshakable. Always dressed in sleek formalwear, she radiates authority — her presence alone enough to silence a room. Her voice is calm, deliberate, and subtly commanding. She never raises it, because she never needs to.
Monica doesn’t just manage Miles’s empire — she anticipates its movements . Every transaction, every merger, every safehouse, every encrypted message that passes through his world filters through her fingertips first. She’s the type of woman who speaks seven languages fluently, dismantles a cyberattack in under three minutes, and schedules a billion-dollar acquisition while sipping black coffee — all before lunch.
To those few who’ve crossed her? She’s a phantom — efficient, untouchable, and terrifyingly loyal to only one man: The Ghost.
The hidden floor was alive with a quiet storm of activity.
Dozens of personnel moved with purpose — managing portfolios, vetting acquisitions, executing covert transfers, and coordinating operations across continents. Giant screens displayed encrypted data, satellite feeds, and financial dashboards. This wasn’t just an office — it was command central for a silent empire.
In the heart of it all, inside her glass-walled office, Monica sat poised at her desk, reviewing a stack of high-level acquisition reports. Her gaze was sharp, her fingers flipping through files at a pace only her trained mind could keep up with.
A knock broke her focus.
"Come in," she said without looking up.
A suited man stepped in, holding another thick file.
"Ma’am, here are the properties and businesses we managed to acquire in Star Harbor over the last two days. We also secured a majority stake in St. Patrick’s University ."
Monica’s eyes narrowed with approval as she took the file.
Each acquisition had been surgical, calculated — local cafes, a logistics firm, a media outlet, even a tech incubator. But the crown jewel was the university. She wasn’t buying influence. She was planting a fortress , in plain sight. All because Miles had chosen Star Harbor.
With a subtle nod, she dismissed the man. Then, she picked up her encrypted landline and dialed a number.
It rang once before an elderly voice answered.
"Hello? This is Chairman Alder of St. Patrick’s speaking..."
"Good evening, Chairman Alder. This is Monica."
"Ah—Miss Monica! Bless my bones... what a surprise! You folks move faster than rumors in a church choir. I just saw the transfer papers this morning!"
Monica smiled faintly, efficient and unwavering. "We’re not implementing any changes. Keep everything running as usual. Faculty, students, systems — untouched."
"Oh, thank the Lord. I was worried you’d want new uniforms or smartboards or... whatever kids these days are using."
"One more thing," she said, her tone shifting into quiet command. " The boss will be joining the university on Monday. As a student. You’ll find him under the name Miles Sterling ."
There was a sharp pause.
"The boss?" Alder repeated, voice suddenly lower. "But—today, Miss Celina completed the admission formalities... for a Miles Sterling. That was... him ?"
"Yes. But do not tell her — or anyone — about his true identity. Do you understand, Chairman?"
"Yes, yes, of course! I’m just an old gatekeeper, Miss Monica. My lips are sealed like a vault."
"I’ll send the clearance packet. Treat him like a normal student. No special attention. No interference."
"Understood. Not a whisper from me. God help anyone who tries to meddle with... him."
Monica hung up calmly, already forwarding encrypted documents to Alder’s private inbox.
Friday Afternoon — Star Harbor
The apartment was quiet. Sunlight slanted through the living room blinds, painting golden lines across the floor. The twins were still at school. Miles sat on the sofa, one leg lazily stretched out, remote in hand, half-watching the midday news.
"In a surprising development today, Reaper Entertainment has acquired a majority stake in Star Central — the city’s largest and most iconic shopping mall. The company reportedly plans to launch exclusive celebrity merchandise and immersive fan experiences targeting the youth demographic..."
Miles sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Of course she went that far... I just hope Monica doesn’t overdo it," he muttered under his breath.
Elena walked in from the kitchen with a warm mug of tea. She paused, watching the headline scroll across the screen.
"These rich people and their businesses," she said, easing into the chair across from him. "They can buy up the whole city if they feel like it."
Miles gave a half-smile. "Some of them already have."
She noticed the subtle tension in his voice but didn’t press. Instead, she gave him a knowing look — the kind only a mother could give — then softened her expression.
"Well," she said, nudging his leg gently with her foot, "Don’t forget — tomorrow is our day. Just you and me. We’re going shopping, remember?"
Miles glanced at her, smile slowly spreading. "Yeah, I remember."
"You’re trying on ten shirts," she added sternly.
He groaned. "You said three."
"I said ten," she corrected, lips twitching. "Don’t argue with your mother."
He let out a chuckle. "Fine, ten. But, we are getting things for everyone"
Elena smiled, leaning forward to hand him her tea. "Deal."
As he took a sip, their eyes met. For all the chaos swirling beneath the surface — the secrets, the scars, the empire he never asked for — this moment felt real. Simple. Safe.
Just a mother and her son, stealing back a little piece of normal.
Later that afternoon--
The front door swung open with a creak as Miles stepped inside, carrying Asher on his back while Hope clung to his arm like a koala. Their laughter echoed down the hallway.
"We won the spelling bee, Mama!" Hope shouted as she kicked off her shoes.
"I got a gold star in math!" Asher added proudly, sliding off Miles’s back.
Miles grinned, setting down their backpacks by the wall. "They basically run the school now."
From the kitchen, Elena peeked around the corner, drying her hands on a towel. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw them — the three of them together, smiling, happy, whole.
She leaned quietly against the doorframe, watching as Miles dropped to the floor beside the twins and began helping them with their homework — explaining math problems to Asher with exaggerated seriousness, and correcting Hope’s handwriting with playful teasing.
"Why does your ’R’ look like a sleepy snail?" he asked, squinting at her notebook.
"It’s artistic!" Hope declared, puffing her cheeks.
"You’re both grounded," Miles deadpanned.
Asher giggled and tackled him, followed by Hope, turning the living room into a full-blown wrestling match.
Elena stood there in silence for a few seconds longer. Her throat tightened — not out of sadness, but overwhelming joy. For the first time in years, the house didn’t just have laughter in it. It had his laughter.
She brought a hand to her chest as her eyes shimmered. Her son, once taken from her — now home. And not just home... but healing, bonding, living .
Seeing Miles let his guard down, playing like a big brother who’d never left — it was a picture she never thought she’d see again.
A soft smile curled on her lips as she whispered to herself, "Thank you... for giving them back to each other."
And in that moment, Elena knew — whatever came next, whatever shadows still lurked — they had something stronger now.
They had family.
After his morning run and dropping the twins off at school, Miles called out, "Get ready, Mom. We’re going to Star Central."
Elena appeared in the hallway, folding a light sweater over her arms. "Isn’t it too expensive though?"
"Not anymore, Mom," Miles said with a small, reassuring smile.
She sighed softly, then nodded. "Alright, give me a few minutes."
Elena stepped out wearing a simple light-gray crewneck sweater, dark slim-fit jeans, and clean white sneakers. Her hair was casually pulled back, and her look was effortlessly neat — comfortable and understated.
Miles dressed in a navy hoodie over a plain white t-shirt, well-fitted dark jeans, and black sneakers. His style was casual and practical, with no flashy brand logos, blending in easily with the crowd.
They stepped out to find Ethan waiting by the black SUV, engine running and ready.
At Star Central Mall – Entrance
The area was buzzing with early fans and a few celebrities doing promotions. Tight security, arranged by Monica, was in full effect.
Security personnel scanned bags and verified IDs with precision. Everyone was moving steadily through the checkpoint.
They saw the long line of people waiting to get inside, buzzing with excitement.
Suddenly, a man stepped forward from the security team — the head of security. He approached them briskly, tipping his cap slightly.
"Hello, sir. We’ve been expecting you. We were instructed to prepare for your arrival."
Elena looked surprised but quickly glanced at Miles, her expression calm and neutral. She said nothing.
The head of security smiled politely and gestured toward a discreet side door.
"Please, follow me. We’ll take you through the private entrance reserved for celebrities."
Miles nodded, and they followed him away from the crowd.
As they entered through the private access, the atmosphere changed immediately. The mall’s interior was bright and spacious, with high ceilings and sleek modern architecture. Polished marble floors reflected the soft lighting from designer chandeliers above.
Glass storefronts lined both sides, displaying the latest in fashion, technology, and luxury goods. Ambient music played softly, mixing with the distant murmur of shoppers.
Elena took a slow breath and looked around, eyes wide but composed.
"This place... it’s impressive," she murmured. "Like a small city under one roof."
She smiled softly, her earlier reservations replaced by quiet awe at the scale and elegance.
"Hey, son, what’s this private entrance thing? You’re not some kind of secret celebrity, are you?"
Miles chuckled softly. "Who, me? Nah. The head of security knows me—we’ve met before." (He didn’t say how.)
Elena raised an eyebrow but said nothing, following him closely.
"Let’s head to the other floors. The ground floor’s a bit crowded."
The escalator took them up to a quieter level, where rows of luxury clothing stores stretched along the polished corridors.
Stores with sleek glass fronts displayed mannequins dressed in sharp blazers, casual chic wear, and trendy street styles. Brands known for quality and style—modern, upscale, but not flashy.
Elena hesitated for a moment, eyeing the price tags, but seeing Miles dressed casually and comfortably, she followed without a word.
They entered a men’s clothing store first, the interior warm and stylish with wooden shelves and soft lighting.
A saleswoman approached them immediately, bowing her head respectfully.
"Welcome, Mr. Sterling, Mrs. Keller, If you need any assistance, I’m here."
Miles gave a polite nod. Elena caught the respectful tone and looked at Miles, surprised.
Elena began picking out some clothes—shirts, jeans, jackets—selecting styles she thought would suit him.
"This one," she said, holding up a crisp, dark blue button-down shirt. "How does this look?"
Miles stepped out of the changing room wearing it.
Elena scrutinized him carefully. "Not quite... try this one."
She smiled, putting all her effort into making sure her son looked not just like a college student, but like someone who could catch a few eyes on campus.
Finally, after trying on several outfits and carefully selecting, Miles smiled and said, "That’s quite enough, Mom. We can always reuse them after washing."
Elena laughed softly, shaking her head.
Miles stepped up to the counter and paid the bill.
Elena gasped lightly, "So expensive..."
Miles chuckled, "To be honest, Mom, this is my first time shopping like this. It is expensive."
Elena gave him a confused look.
Miles grinned. "Now, let’s get some things for you and the little ones."
Elena shook her head gently, "For me? No, I don’t really need anything."
Miles raised an eyebrow, teasing, "You don’t get to say that after you almost picked out the entire store for me."
Elena smiled, caught off guard but happy.
Miles turned to the saleslady. "Could you deliver all these purchases to our place later? That’d be great."
As they stepped out, Miles guided Elena toward the jewelry store nearby.
Elena hesitated for a moment, then followed quietly, curious but unsure.
The jewelry store gleamed with polished glass cases and soft, warm lighting that made every gem sparkle like a tiny star. Elegant displays of necklaces, bracelets, and rings lined the counters, each piece seeming more exquisite than the last. The gentle tinkling of a small bell announced their arrival.
A poised saleslady approached with a bright, respectful smile. "Welcome to Lumina Jewelers. Please, take your time and let me know if anything catches your eye."
Elena looked around, a little surprised to be here. "Me? I didn’t expect this..."
Miles gave her a gentle smile. "Mom, you deserve this. Let me pick something special for you."
Elena’s eyes softened, touched by his kindness as she began to browse the sparkling treasures.
Miles’s eyes settled on a delicate bracelet resting elegantly on a velvet cushion inside the glass case. The bracelet was slender and crafted from polished white gold, encrusted with tiny, sparkling diamonds that caught the light with every subtle movement.
He carefully lifted it with a gloved hand, holding it up for Elena to see. "Look at this, Mom. Simple but beautiful—just like you."
Elena’s gaze softened as she admired the bracelet’s understated elegance. "It’s exquisite," she whispered, touched by the thoughtful gesture.
The saleslady smiled warmly. "It’s one of our finest pieces—timeless and perfect for everyday wear."
While Elena admired the bracelet on her wrist, a young, sharply dressed woman nearby glanced over with a mixture of surprise and disdain. She was accompanied by a well-dressed young man, both clearly from a wealthy social circle.
The woman’s voice rose, cutting through the gentle hum of the store. "I want that one!" she called out loudly, pointing directly at the bracelet on Elena’s hand.
The saleslady quickly responded, her tone polite but firm. "I’m sorry, ma’am, but that piece has already been selected."
The young woman scoffed, turning her gaze sharply to Elena and Miles. "Do you really think they can even afford it?"
The store’s atmosphere grew tense; the noise level rose as nearby customers whispered and glanced over. Elena’s face flushed slightly, but she held her composure, while Miles’s jaw tightened just a bit.
The store manager stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "Ma’am, the piece has already been selected. Please feel free to explore the rest of our collection." She subtly gestured toward the other displays, hoping to diffuse the tension.
She glanced at Miles, a knowing look passing between them. The security had made sure everything was smooth for him—no inconvenience allowed. Their eyes met briefly, and Miles gave a slight nod, silently signaling the manager, let him handle the situation himself.
Miles then stepped forward, standing protectively in front of Elena. He locked eyes with the young woman, who stood with her boyfriend a step behind her.
Before Miles could even speak, a clear, excited voice called out, "Boss! long time no see"
Everyone’s heads turned toward the entrance, the moment suspended in a tense hush.