Chapter 66 - Sweet kiss

AN: Bonus chapter. MORE POWERSTONES.

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Alex sat on his bed, staring at the reward notification.

[Quest: What Could Go Wrong?]

Status: Completed ✅

Reward:🔹 Universal Editor Machine (Allows modifications to any digital or physical content with absolute precision + You can use your memories to edit and create content as you wish.)

"Claim it."

The moment he claimed the reward, the device appeared on his bed. It was a 32-inch glass box with a glowing screen on top. The design was minimal and looked like a regular glass box.

On the screen, a single prompt appeared:

[Place your hand to activate.]

Alex placed his palm on the screen.

A new notification popped up:

[Do you wish to fuse the Universal Editor with the System?](Fusing will allow direct control through thought commands and prevent loss or damage.)

That was a no-brainer. Carrying a physical machine around was too risky.

[Accept.]

The moment he confirmed, the device shimmered, then vanished. 

[Syncro 100%]

He pulled up his System Interface and saw a new addition:

🔹 Universal Editor - Integrated(Modify, create, or erase any digital or physical content with absolute precision + You can use your memories to edit and create content as you wish.)

A slow grin spread across Alex's face.

The Editor made his job of making comics and editing movies or other work easier. Not to mention, now, he should be able to create the world of superheroes faster than he originally planned.

Alex pulled up his System Interface and thought about the very beginning—the origin stories of the superheroes before the Avengers were even a thing.

Iron Man. Captain America. Thor. Hulk. Black Widow. Hawkeye. Spiderman.

Not the modern versions. He wanted to start at the roots. The early comics that built the foundation for everything. He decided to focus on Earth 616.

The moment he focused, the Universal Editor activated.

[Select Format: Digital | Print]

Alex chose Digital for now. 

[Select Content Source: Memory]

Done.

[Begin Transcription?]

"Yes."

Immediately, his mind started projecting the exact pages from the comics. The Editor copied everything—art, text, layout—turning his memories into high-resolution files.

Page after page. Issue after issue.

The first Iron Man comic> done.

Captain America's World War II origin> done.

Spiderman> done.

Bruce Banner's accident with gamma radiation> done.

Thor's arrival on Earth> done.

Black Widow's spy background> done.

Hawkeye's early days as a rogue agent> done.

Every classic moment was now perfectly recreated in a digital format. The files appeared on the System's screen. He opened them and began to read, just in case...

30 minutes later...

Alex leaned back, exhaling slowly. It was all there. Every detail.

Now came the real challenge: publishing.

He had two choices:

Sell the comics to an existing publishing house:

Pros: Instant infrastructure, established distribution networks.

Cons: Less control, potential leaks, and dealing with corporate bureaucracy.

Start his own publishing company:

Pros: Full creative control, maximum profit, secrecy intact.

Cons: More work, but with his resources? Nothing he couldn't handle.

The decision was easy.

He would launch his own publishing house.

...

Alex already had a production house and three hotels, so, adding a publishing house was just another venture in his growing empire. Besides, it'd help him in the long run. He won't have to rely on other publishers for his works.

He grabbed his phone and was about to call Rachel, but then he realized that she had been doing too much work all by herself, so he didn't want to burden her with more work. So, called his lawyer, Ethan Carter.

"Alex," Ethan answered, his voice calm but slightly wary. "It's almost 3 AM. This better be good."

Alex smirked. "How fast can you set up a publishing company for me?"

There was a brief silence. Then, Ethan sighed. "You don't sleep, do you?"

"Not when I have ideas."

Ethan muttered something under his breath, probably about insane clients, before responding, "Give me a name, and I'll have the paperwork ready by noon."

Alex thought for a second, then grinned.

"Titan Comics."

Ethan hummed in approval. "Alright. I'll make the necessary filings. Anything special I should know?"

"Yes. I want complete control. No outside investors, no partners. Everything stays in-house. Also, prepare to buy out a printing facility. I don't want to outsource anything."

Ethan whistled. "That's expensive."

Alex chuckled. "I don't do cheap."

"Fair enough. I'll get on it."

As the call ended, Alex leaned back, his mind already racing with the next steps.

He needed its own printing facility. No way was he going to let a third party handle something this valuable. He pulled up his laptop and searched for independent printing companies for sale.

It didn't take long to find one—Legacy Printworks, a struggling but well-equipped printing house in Los Angeles. The owner was looking to sell due to financial issues.

"Perfect."

He sent Ethan a message: Find out how much it'll take to buy Legacy Printworks. I want it by the end of the week.

"Alright, now time to hype things up."

Alex wasn't just some unknown writer. He was Hollywood's Golden Boy. His name alone could sell out theaters. Imagine what it could do for comics.

All he needed was a single post.

He grabbed his phone and opened his social media accounts. With millions of followers across platforms, this was going to be easy.

He typed:

**"For years, the superhero genre has been in a big slump. That changes now.

I'm bringing something new. Something big. 

Welcome to Titan Comics. The age of heroes begins soon. Stay tuned. #TitanComics #ComingSoon"**

The moment he hit post, his phone started blowing up.

Within minutes:

Trending #1: #TitanComics

Industry Insiders: "Is Alex entering the comic book industry?!"

Fans: "WHAT?! Superheroes by Alex?! TAKE MY MONEY!"

Journalists: "Alex teases new 'Age of Heroes' project—What is Titan Comics?"

A large yawn escaped Alex's lips. Now with that done, he was going to sleep. Let the hype increase. Then he'll release a little bit of sneak-peaks and all those things to keep the hype up, followed by the big launch. 

"Gotta keep an eye on my spending," He reminded himself.

.

.

[Morning]

Scarlett jolted awake as her phone rang on the nightstand. She groggily grabbed it, squinting at the screen.

Incoming Call: Vanessa

Crap. She had knocked out last night without calling home. Vanessa was going to be dramatic about it.

She answered, voice groggy. "Yeah."

Vanessa's voice came in loud and clear—too loud for this early.

"YOU LITTLE MINX! HOW WAS IT?!"

Scarlett blinked. "Huh?"

Vanessa gasped. "Don't play dumb with me! You spent the night at Alex's place. Did you do the deed? Was he an animal? Does he have stamina?!"

Scarlett nearly dropped the phone. "WHAT?! NO!"

Vanessa sighed dramatically. "Ugh. So you're telling me you spent the night at Hollywood's Golden Boy's house and didn't even test drive?"

Scarlett groaned. "First of all, it was just a friendly outing. Second, we didn't do anything. And third, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!"

Vanessa chuckled. "I'm just making sure my bestie isn't wasting prime opportunities. Do you know how many women would kill for a night with Alex?!"

Scarlett rubbed her temple. "Then send them. I'm not interested."

"Liar," Vanessa said immediately. "You hesitated."

"I did not!"

"Mhm. So tell me... does he sleep shirtless? Boxers? Or, and I hope for the last one, nothing at all?"

Scarlett groaned loudly, already regretting picking up the call. "Vanessa, I swear to God..."

"Come on, Scar! Give me something. This is prime gossip material." Vanessa's voice practically oozed mischief. "Or are you keeping all the juicy details to yourself? Selfish."

"Arg! I don't know, alright. After dinner, we just went to the penthouse, and then he drew my portrait, we watched a bad movie and he offered me a new project. That's it. So, for the last time, nothing happened between us and there is nothing between us," Scarlett said with a sigh, rubbing her forehead.

Vanessa gasped so dramatically that Scarlett had to pull the phone away from her ear.

"WAIT. HOLD ON."

Scarlett sighed. "Now what?"

"If nothing is happening between you two…" Vanessa's voice took on an exaggeratedly sultry tone. "…then that means I have a chance. So, as your best friend, I am formally declaring my intentions..."

Scarlett blinked. "Huh?"

"...to seduce Alex and make him fall madly, deeply, passionately in love with me."

Scarlett nearly choked. "EXCUSE ME?!"

"You heard me," Vanessa said smugly. "I mean, he's hot, he's rich, he's a genius, and considering he didn't take advantage of you, I know he's a great man... what's not to love? And if you're just wasting prime real estate over there, it's only fair I step in and take over. I mean, I am a beautiful, sexy, homely girl with a hot body... You should know that a man like him likes a homely girl... And I can be very submissive."

Scarlett sat up in bed, running a hand down her face. "Vanessa. No."

"Vanessa, yes."

"Vanessa, NO."

"Scarlett, why are you so against this? I thought you said nothing was going on."

"Because... because..." Scarlett flailed for an excuse that didn't sound completely irrational. "Because you're... you! You're gonna do something ridiculous like show up in a trench coat with nothing underneath and scare the poor man!"

Vanessa cackled. "Great idea. Do you think he'd go for it?"

Scarlett groaned. "You're impossible."

"Listen, bestie, if you don't like him, then it shouldn't matter if I go after him, right?" Vanessa said, her voice sweetly taunting. "Unless… you do like him?"

Scarlett immediately went on the defensive. "I don't!"

"Then I'm gonna make my move," Vanessa sing-songed.

"Vanessa..."

"I wonder if Alex is free for a little coffee date~"

"Vanessa, I will end you."

Vanessa gasped in mock horror. "Oh my God, Scarlett! Are you… Jealous?"

Scarlett sputtered. "I AM NOT JEALOUS!"

"Mhm. Sounds like jealousy."

"It's not jealousy! I just... he's... he's too busy!" Scarlett blurted out. "With work."

Vanessa hummed. "So what you're saying is, I should bring him a little homemade lunch to help him destress."

"NO..."

"Maybe give him a shoulder massage, whisper sweet nothings in his ear, ask him if he needs a 'personal assistant'…"

Scarlett was gripping her pillow so hard it was in danger of exploding. "Vanessa."

"Scarlett," Vanessa mimicked.

Scarlett inhaled deeply, trying to maintain her last shred of sanity. "You know what? Fine. Go ahead. Throw yourself at him. I dare you."

Vanessa laughed. "Oh, I will. And when he falls head over heels for me, don't come crying that you missed your shot."

Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Have fun embarrassing yourself."

Vanessa grinned. "Oh, honey. You underestimate me. By the end of the week, Alex is gonna be mine."

Scarlett hung up before Vanessa could say anything else.

She tossed her phone onto the bed and flopped backward, staring at the ceiling.

…Why did she feel weirdly annoyed about this?

She shook her head. Nope. Not going down that rabbit hole.

Whatever. Alex could handle Vanessa's antics.

Right?

...

Scarlett adjusted her dress, ran a hand through her hair, and made her way to the bathroom. To her surprise, a brand-new toothbrush and toothpaste were neatly placed near the sink.

'Does this man prepare for guests like this all the time?' she wondered, shaking her head. It was a thoughtful touch, though.

After freshening up, she stepped out of the bathroom and walked toward the living room. The smell of food wafted through the air—eggs, toast, coffee, something sweet—pancakes?

And there he was.

Alex stood by the kitchen island, setting up plates. He was dressed casually in a plain black T-shirt and gray sweatpants, his hair slightly messy from sleep.

Scarlett blinked. 'Why does he look like a damn magazine cover even when he's just making breakfast?'

Alex glanced up and smirked. "You look like you just realized I'm real."

Scarlett rolled her eyes and walked over. "I was just surprised. I didn't expect breakfast."

"You think I'd let a guest leave without eating?" Alex scoffed, placing a plate of pancakes in front of her. "That would be bad hosting."

Scarlett sat down and took a bite, her eyes widening slightly. "These are actually good."

Alex feigned offense. "Did you doubt my cooking skills?"

"Not doubt. Just… wasn't expecting Hollywood's Golden Boy to be a solid cook."

Alex smirked. "Stick around. You'll learn I have a lot of talents."

Scarlett nearly choked on her coffee. She shot him a look, but he just grinned like he knew exactly what he'd just implied.

Breakfast went by smoothly—light teasing, casual conversation, and she wanted to tell him about Vanessa> ("If she shows up at your office in a trench coat, call me first so I can stop her"). But she decided not to because it was just one date and there was nothing between them... Right?

After they were done, Alex grabbed his keys. "Come on. I'll drop you home."

Scarlett didn't argue. It was easier than calling for a ride.

The drive was quiet, with soft music playing in the background. Scarlett found herself glancing at Alex now and then he looked relaxed, one hand on the wheel, the other drumming lightly against the dashboard.

When they pulled up in front of her place, Alex reached into the backseat and handed her a wrapped canvas.

She blinked. "Wait. You're actually giving me the painting?"

"You thought I was joking?"

"Kind of."

Alex rolled his eyes. "I don't joke about art."

Scarlett stared at the canvas in her hands. Last night, she hadn't gotten a proper look at it. But now…

She swallowed. "Thanks, Alex."

He gave her a small smile. "No problem."

Scarlett sat there for a moment, holding the canvas in her lap, feeling an odd warmth settle in her chest. The air between them grew quiet, almost expectant.

She looked up at Alex. He was watching her, his expression unreadable yet somehow softer than usual.

Her heart skipped.

Before she could second-guess herself, she leaned forward.

And so did he.

The kiss was brief... just a soft press of lips, warm and lingering for a few seconds before reality caught up with them. Scarlett's eyes widened slightly, and she pulled away first, her cheeks flushing.

Alex didn't move for a second, like he was processing what just happened. Then, a slow smirk tugged at his lips.

Scarlett, on the other hand, was already reaching for the door handle. "Okay... um... thanks again for the ride!" she blurted out, practically launching herself out of the car before he could say anything.

Alex chuckled, watching as she hurried toward her front door. At the last second, she turned around, flashing him a shy smile before disappearing inside.

He leaned back in his seat, exhaling as he ran a hand through his hair.

Well. That was… unexpected.

And yet, all he could think about was how soft her lips felt against his.

...

Scarlett leaned her back against the door, 'Thanks for the ride? What the fuck is wrong with me?'

[Upstairs] [Vanessa's room]

"Oh my, lil' sis. You did it. Baby steps it is..." Vanessa smiled. "Dang! I'm so freaking jealous."

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AN: Next, a little focus on Lilly and then the broke girls. Well, they ain't broke no more.

-[POWERSTONES AND REVIEWS PLS]-

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[6 advance chs] + [7 chs of Two and a Half Men: Waking up as Charlie Harper] [All chs available for all tiers]