World Domination Begins With Getting a System in a Modern World-Chapter 160: Unyielding William

The Horizon’s Edge was more than just a yacht — it was a floating palace. A triple-decked leviathan of polished steel and marine elegance, with enough luxury to shame most boutique hotels.

As James stepped aboard with Logan, he immediately took note of the details: teak flooring that shone beneath soft LED strips, marble-topped bar stations, sprawling lounge spaces wrapped in sun-kissed glass, and a soft scent of sea breeze mixed with luxury perfume lingering in the air.

Music thumped from concealed speakers — a mellow, bass-heavy rhythm that vibrated through the bones without overwhelming conversation.

Sunlight danced across the ocean, and champagne already flowed freely among the guests scattered throughout the decks.

Logan guided James through a brief tour of the yacht.

"We’ve got a mix of lounges, private corners for those looking to flirt or talk business, plus a sun-deck upstairs with a plunge pool. Down below, there’s a game room — cards, poker, even a VR setup," Logan said as he led James past a curved bar where two men were already comparing stock trades.

"And food?" James asked with a light smirk.

Logan laughed.

"Overkill. Sushi station, gourmet tapas, seafood platters. If you leave hungry, it’s your fault."

They passed through one of the private lounges — a sleek room with deep leather seats, high ceilings, and a panoramic view of the horizon.

James nodded in approval. The yacht was a statement — understated in design, overwhelming in execution.

Eventually, they stopped on the middle deck by a quieter corner where the ocean shimmered unobstructed beyond the glass railing.

Logan leaned casually against the rail and shot James a sidelong glance.

"So, I’ve been wondering... how’d you pull it off?"

James raised an eyebrow.

"I mean — you," Logan clarified. "You just appeared out of nowhere, and I’ve heard enough rumors about you that I stopped believing all of them. So, what’s the truth?"

James chuckled. He was surprised there was rumours about him now making the rounds,but he felt that it’s normal considering how ordinary is background is.

"Nothing fancy," he said with a shrug. "Got lucky at the right time. I hit big on some bets, stacked my earnings, then decided to try something stupid — built a memecoin with a friend. It went viral. Value exploded overnight."

Logan blinked, clearly processing what James had just said.

"Just like that?"

"Well... the basics, yeah." James nodded.

Logan stared at him for a long moment, then gave a short laugh.

"That’s... both wild and infuriating. So you’re telling me you didn’t inherit a fortune, buy some VC firm, or win a tech grant. You just gambled your way into the deep end?"

"Pretty much," James said, sipping his cocktail.

Logan shook his head in disbelief.

"Either you’re the luckiest bastard alive, or you’re hiding something serious."

James smirked, neither confirming nor denying.

Logan didn’t press. He was smart enough to know when someone was guarding something valuable. Instead, he just grinned and raised his glass.

"Fair enough. I don’t know how, and I don’t care. But I do know this — I want to stay close. I hope we can be partners in the future."

Logan was still finding it hard to believe. He couldn’t believe that James was that simple and extremely lucky.

He felt that there was more that James was hiding but he didn’t want to pry as he understood that everyone has at least a secret they are protecting.

Also, he understood that it won’t be wise of him to insist, and he decided to let it be. But he made a decision to get close to James and maintain a close relationship with him as he see great things coming from him.

The two of them clinked glasses.

A few more casual exchanges followed before Logan was swept away by a cluster of friends calling him over near the pool deck.

Left alone, James exhaled and glanced around. The conversation had left him a bit parched — and hungry.

He made his way across the lower deck, toward the buffet line, where golden lighting framed an immaculate layout of small gourmet plates: butter-seared scallops, truffle sliders, seared ahi tuna, mango-glazed shrimp skewers.

James picked a few items and was just about to turn away when a sudden, familiar presence stopped him.

Rachel Cobb.

She stood right in front of him, arms crossed loosely, with a blank expression on her face.

James gave a polite smile and made to step past her, unwilling to entertain whatever game she was beginning to play.

But then, she spoke.

"Wait."

He stopped and turned his head slightly, waiting for her to speak.

She opened her mouth... then closed it again.

James narrowed his eyes slightly, unimpressed, and turned to walk away.

Rachel, apparently unprepared for that reaction, immediately followed.

"I said wait!"

James didn’t slow down. The crowd moved around him like a current, and Rachel’s heels clicked furiously behind him as she tried to keep up.

He wasn’t interestedas he remembered how she looked at him when Logan introduced him. Not in whatever change of heart she’d had, not in whatever curiosity her previous snub had evolved into.

Eventually, he found a spot near the yacht’s side deck — secluded, away from the noise — and took a seat on one of the curved lounges.

Rachel finally caught up, breathless, a light sheen of sweat dampening her flawless composure. Her grace was gone — chased away by urgency.

James glanced at her, genuinely surprised by how ungraceful she looked.

"What do you want?" he asked flatly.

Rachel opened her mouth to respond — but before she could speak, an irritating voice interjected.

"Well, well... if it isn’t the evening’s charity project."

Yes, it’s William Howell.

He stepped into view, drink in hand, his white jacket now swapped for a navy one, unbuttoned to reveal an ostentatious chain.

James remained seated, relaxed, watching him with detached amusement.

William’s voice was dripping with disdain, but it was louder now, and deliberately so.

A small group nearby turned to watch turned to watch the ensuing drama.

"Must be hard," William continued, "not having a yacht of your own. But don’t worry — we’ve all got to start somewhere."

He took a sip of his drink and gestured lazily around.

"This yacht cost nine figures. My father is a shareholder and board member of one of the largest marine logistics chains on the West Coast. Rachel here, her dad’s firm handles half the city’s REITs. Logan? He’s practically Napa’s prince."

He leaned in slightly.

"And then there’s you," he said softly. "The man of nothingness."

James said nothing, as he simply stared at the fool in front of him.

"I just think," William continued smugly, "it’s important to remember your place, even if you’re dressed like you belong."

James slowly rose to his feet. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t even set down his drink.

But his eyes turned sharp — razor-sharp.

"You’re right," James said, with a quiet tone. "Let’s talk about place."

He took a single step forward.

"You were born with everything. You had the head start. The name. The network. The safety net," he said, as he took another step.

"And still, here you are — wasting daddy’s money on overpriced whiskey and hosting parties where the best entertainment you can afford is trying to pick fights. Are you really that dumb, William?"

Laughter stirred nearby, and William flinched in embarrassment.

But James wasn’t done. He was tired of this little shit coming back and barking up at him about his father’s money, and he wants to destroy him completely, and give himself peace.

"You said this yacht costs nine figures?" James asked, voice now cool and bright. "Do you know how many people on this boat are doing mental math right now, trying to figure out if they can afford one like it? Do you know why I’m not?" freewёbnoνel.com

William said nothing.

James leaned in just slightly, lowering his voice even further.

"Because I don’t want to buy a yacht, William. I want to buy the fucking shipyard. Also, you keep yapping about the yacht being nine figures but it isn’t yours, is it? You can’t even afford a six-figure car yourself. You’re not all that. Just sit down. Be humble. And stop being a bitch."

Gasps, stifled laughter and a few choked coughs filled the air.

Even Rachel’s eyes widened.

James turned casually toward her.

"If you’ll excuse me."

Then he turned and walked away. And Rachel immediately chased after him.

Behind them, William stood frozen — shattered in front of everyone.