Urban System in America
Chapter 212 - 211: Yes, We Have Money

Chapter 212: Chapter 211: Yes, We Have Money

And so, without another word, Rex and Lena stepped through the threshold—into the glittering heart of the Hollywood elite’s inner sanctum.

Just beyond the grand entryway, a pair of elegantly dressed waiters stood at attention, their posture perfect and smiles practiced. One stepped forward, offering a light bow. "Welcome, sir. This way, please."

Rex nodded calmly, the way he imagined someone used to this kind of treatment would. But inside, he was screaming.

Because the moment they crossed into the estate, it was like walking into a different world.

The iron gates had barely finished closing behind them when he was greeted by the kind of visual spectacle that made him question whether he’d accidentally wandered into a movie set—or maybe heaven for rich people.

The 725-foot-long private driveway twisted upward through beautifully manicured greenery, flanked by soft golden lights and bursts of floral color that looked too perfect to be real. It was a winding path to opulence.

At the top, the driveway opened into a circular courtyard centered around a sculptural fountain, its water glistening under an array of dazzling lights that lit up the night like a movie premiere. Rex could spot touches of old-world charm everywhere—the lush landscaping, expertly arranged as if nature itself had been bribed to behave; the façade of the mansion, blending Spanish and Italian elegance, glowing in soft terra-cotta under the sheen of carefully placed spotlights that mimicked daylight.

Arched windows. Venetian columns. The kind of architectural flex that whispered, "Yes, we have money."

As they walked toward the mansion, he couldn’t help but slow down just a little. The closer he got, the more breathtaking it became. Spotlights cut through the night like golden spears, illuminating the structure in a warm, ethereal glow. Every step he took echoed softly on the pristine marble path, each footfall met with the distant sound of water trickling from the courtyard fountain.

The architectural style was a masterclass in Mediterranean Revival, laced with the elegance of Spanish and Italian influences. Grand colonnades flanked the front, casting long, dramatic shadows that swayed gently under the lights. Terracotta roof tiles, glowing faintly in the night’s flood of golden beams, capped the structure like a royal crown. Arched windows—tall, proud, and framed in intricate stone—offered romantic glimpses into softly lit rooms.

And that was just the outside.

The moment they stepped inside, Rex had to remind himself not to gape. The entry gallery stretched nearly fifty feet, its loggia-style ceiling adding a touch of ancient nobility. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the hallway, pouring golden light over carved wood panels and pristine marble floors. A sitting room branched off the main gallery, boasting a barrel-vaulted ceiling and opening into lush gardens fed by cascading waterfalls.

A sweeping staircase wound along the interior just past the entrance, built for dramatic entrances and equally showy exits. Above, loggia-style balconies projected over the courtyard, their carved wooden ceilings hand-painted with delicate frescos that told stories from forgotten ages.

It was elegance turned into architecture. Every inch radiated prestige—not loud or overbearing, but undeniable, like old money whispering through centuries of refinement.

It wasn’t just wealth—it was curated legacy.

He stole a glance at Lena, who looked just as awe-struck. And frankly, seeing someone else just as overwhelmed gave him a bit of comfort.

Rex straightened his jacket slightly, cleared his throat, and followed the waiter deeper into the belly of excess, already wondering what other kinds of jaw-dropping surprises lay ahead.

The flooring transitioned beneath his feet, shifting from polished stone to intricately laid herringbone parquet, guiding the eye toward what lay beyond. Just as Rex took it in, the waiter led them through a set of arched double doors—and the ballroom revealed itself in full glory.

A 22-foot-high barrel-vaulted ceiling soared overhead, hand-painted with delicate frescoes in soft golds and rose hues, like a whisper of Renaissance elegance. Gilded wall sconces flickered warmly, bouncing light off the pristine marble floors. Crystal chandeliers, hanging like constellations, bathed the room in a glow that was both intimate and regal.

A mezzanine balcony wrapped around the room, accessible via a curved staircase discreetly tucked behind rich carved wood panels. Hidden alcoves lined the upper walls, designed for live performers and orchestras, with a retractable stage neatly blended into the floor. The acoustics—judging by the faint hum of a nearby quartet—were tuned to perfection.

It was the kind of room where royalty would dance, where billionaires whispered secrets, where scandal and elegance waltzed hand in hand.

Rex exhaled slowly. So this... this was how the elite celebrated.

He adjusted his cufflinks, careful not to let his awe show on his face.

And just as he took one step into the ballroom, it was like the atmosphere shifted. The string quartet’s gentle harmony played in the background, but for a moment, all eyes turned to him. Conversations stilled. Eyes widened. Glasses nearly paused midair. Even among Hollywood’s elite, Rex stood out—not just for his tailored suit or his confident walk, but for the otherworldly aura that seemed to wrap around him like expensive cologne.

He didn’t flinch. Rex kept walking with the calm poise of someone who’d done this a hundred times, even though inside, he was barely holding back a "holy sh*t" every three steps. Flashes of envy, curiosity, and admiration rippled through the crowd. A few actresses nudged their friends. Some of the older, married socialites subtly adjusted their posture. He even heard a few murmurs trailing behind him:

"Who is that?"

"New actor, maybe?"

"No way, I’d remember someone that gorgeous."

"He looks like an heir... someone big."

He wasn’t used to this kind of attention—well, actually, scratch that. He was used to the attention, just not from these kinds of people. And still, he didn’t let it slow him down. He smoothly plucked a glass of red wine from a passing tray and took a sip, letting the taste linger just long enough to look like he was appreciating it.

Beside him, Lena had frozen like someone caught in the high beams of a luxury car. She was used to blending in. This kind of spotlight was new.

After a moment of tense hesitation, and clearly enduring the pressure of many judgmental stares from the crowd, she turned to Rex. Her voice was barely above a whisper, "I think I should go... blend in. Maybe talk to a few people."

Rex didn’t miss a beat. "Sure. Go ahead."

She blinked, clearly expecting some kind of resistance, some flirty line, or at least a reason to stay. His indifference caught her off guard.

A strange flicker crossed her face—disappointment?—but she quickly masked it with a smile. "I’ll repay you, I promise."

Rex gave a small nod. "No rush."

With a quiet nod, she turned and disappeared into the crowd of glittering elites, heels clicking softly as she moved with uncertain grace.

Rex watched her go, then turned his attention back to his wine. She was beautiful—undeniably so. But he wasn’t about to let a pretty face pull him off course. Not tonight. Not when his mission still loomed over everything.

He chuckled to himself. It’s not like I’ll get every beauty I see.

And even if it were for the sake of the system, he wasn’t going to force fate. The mission was to make a significant connection—and clearly, it may not be her.

So, with a calm exhale, Rex turned his gaze back to the glittering world around him.

(End of Chapter)