Insert-Rich-Family-Name

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<<set $autosavename = "(Demo) Chapter 1">> <<image "c1.png" "Chapter 1: Flesh And Blood">> In the ballroom One of the doormen greets you and opens the door for you to walk inside. You plaster a smile on your face as you walk around, mingling with the guests, and nodding at them whenever they mutter — a fake — "Sorry for your loss." Most of them are only in attendance to score a donation check for their organizations, or better yet, just for the press. What can be more pompous than being invited to the funeral of one of the wealthiest men? At the bar, you spot: <<set _next = "c1_det">> <<choice_shown "A man wearing a wrinkled blazer and a pair of jeans." _next>> <<set $text = "The man has a tired face, obviously beaten down by what the lower-class calls a nine-to-five job. His hair is styled into a short buzz cut, and he is sipping on water — who the heck drinks water at a bar?">> <<set $det_pname = "Victor">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "A woman wearing a wrinkled blazer and a pair of jeans." _next>> <<set $text = "The woman has a tired face, obviously beaten down by what the lower-class calls a nine-to-five job. Her hair is pulled into a tight ponytail, and she is sipping on water — who the heck drinks water at a bar?">> <<set $det_pname = "Victoria">> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_det]] %/

<<text>> You approach ?dethim_her: <<set _next = "c1_det2">> <<choice_shown '"Please, tell me you are not a long lost cousin who shows up at the grandfather\'s funeral to claim ?dethis_her part of the inheritance."' _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"You\'re at the bar in one of the wealthiest homes, and you\'re drinking water?"' _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Who are you, and why do you intrigue me?"' _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Hello."' _next>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_det2]] %/

<<if $but_rel lt 50>> <<set $w1 = "you are rude as hell to the help staff">> <<elseif $but_rel eq 50>> <<set $w1 = "jury is still out on how you treat the help staff">> <<else>> <<set $w1 = "you treat the help staff with respect">> <</if>> <<if $brat1 lt 50>> <<set $q1 = "spoiled">> <<elseif $brat1 eq 50>> <<set $q1 = "neither spoiled nor modest">> <<else>> <<set $q1 = "modest, despite all the wealth">> <</if>> <<if $kind1 lt 50>> <<set $r1 = "completely heartless">> <<elseif $kind1 eq 50>> <<set $r1 = "neither kind nor heartless">> <<else>> <<set $r1 = "sometimes kind">> <</if>>

<<include "c1_det2setvars">> Instead of answering you, the ?detgend gives you a side-eye, takes another sip of ?dethis_her water, then says: "$namemc $surnamemc, ?you_var of the family. Did I get that right?" "Have we met?" You raise an eyebrow. "Not at all, but it's my job to know who you are." <<set _next = "c1_det3">> <<choice_shown '"Ugh... great! A reporter!"' _next>> <<set $text = `"Why does that sound like you resent reporters?" The ?detgend asks, then takes another sip of ?dethis_her water. "Umm... let's see. Will the fact that they mostly report lies about my family counts as a good excuse to hate them?" "I don't know," the ?detgend shrugs. "Doesn't wealth and lies mean the same thing in your world?" Unsure of how to answer that, you turn around and:`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"You have me at a disadvantage. You know who I am, but I don\'t know who you are."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Don't worry, I'm not as interesting as you are," the ?detgend smiles, then takes another sip of ?dethis_her water. "Are you sure? Or maybe you just don't want to tell me." The ?detgend shrugs. "Or... maybe you haven't been asking the right questions." "Right," you grin as you turn around:`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Well, you\'re excelling at your job so far. Keep at it."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Oh... I can do even better than that," the ?detgend smiles. "I can tell you that you are $q1, $r1, and $w1." "Hmm... seems like you know me pretty well." The ?detgend shrugs. "There are still so much I don't know. For example... care to share your darkest secret?" You don't answer and quickly turn around:`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Interesting. What else do you know about me?"' _next>> <<set $text = `"Hmm..." the ?detgend pretends to think. "` + $q1.toUpperFirst() + `, $r1, and $w1." "Seems like you know me pretty well." The ?detgend shrugs. "There are still so much I don't know. For example... care to share your darkest secret?" Unsure of how to reply to that, you turn around and:`>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_det3]] %/

<<text>> <<set _next = "c1_det4">> <<choice_shown "I ask the bartender for an alcoholic drink." _next>> <<set $text = `The ?detgend chuckles. "Ah... I forgot about the heavy drinking. Apparently it runs in the family, isn't that right?"`>> <<set $drink = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I ask the bartender for a water." _next>> <<set $text = `The ?detgend chuckles. "Well... well... well. I did not expect that. You're not a heavy drinker like the rest of the family?"`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I take a seat at the bar." _next>> <<set $text = `The ?detgend chuckles. "Well... well... well. I did not expect that. No drinks? You're not a heavy drinker like the rest of the family?"`>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_det4]] %/

<<text>> <<set $w1 = "", $q1 = "", $r1 = "">> You ignore ?dethis_her question and proceed to ask your own, "Do you work for The Daily News?" "I'm not a journalist," the ?detgend replies, "and for what it's worth... I'm sorry for your loss." <<set _next = "c1_det5">> <<choice_shown '"Not a journalist, huh? Are you a stripper? Because it\'s totally the kind of joke that Benny would pull on the day of our grandfather\'s funeral." ❤' _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `The ?detgend smiles. "I'm not a stripper, but I do have a pair of cuffs on me if you want to play." Just then, André announces the short walk to the cemetery to finally put your grandfather into the ground. "Tempting," you say to the ?detgend, "but family duty calls. By the way, I didn't catch your name."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Are you a new security personnel, perhaps? It\'s too bad that I already have a bodyguard." ❤' _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `The ?detgend smiles. "Believe me, I'm not interested in babysitting some rich brat. But I'll let you play with my cuffs if you're into that." Just then, André announces the short walk to the cemetery to finally put your grandfather into the ground. "Tempting," you say to the ?detgend, "but family duty calls. By the way, I didn't catch your name."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Thank you. That\'s very nice of you to say." ❤' _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `The ?detgend smiles. "I wish I could tell you that it gets better, but it doesn't. Especially knowing the reason why my presence here is requested." You open your mouth to ask what ?dethe_she means by that, but André announces the short walk to the cemetery to finally put your grandfather into the ground. "I..." you start, "I have to go. Family duty calls. But, umm... I didn't catch your name."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Did you know my grandfather?"' _next>> <<set $text = `The ?detgend scoffs, "Who didn't. Not only is his death on all the channels news, but it's also hard to ignore an egocentric fat cat whose fortune is from the $money_from." Just then, André announces the short walk to the cemetery to finally put your grandfather into the ground. "Well, at least you don't mince your words," you say to the ?detgend, "Anyway, family duty calls. But I didn't catch your name."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Thank you. My granpa... he will be missed."' _next>> <<set $text = `The ?detgend nods. "I don't doubt that. I'm more curious about how the war for the throne will pan out." "War for the throne?" "Oh please, you're telling me that the death of an egocentric fat cat whose fortune is from the $money_from is not going to result in a catfight among his surviving offsprings?" Before you can add anything to that, André announces the short walk to the cemetery to finally put your grandfather into the ground. "I guess that's my cue," you say to the ?detgend, "Family duty calls. By the way, I didn't catch your name."`>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_det5]] %/

<<text>> The ?detgend gulps down ?dethis_her water, then holds your gaze. "It's because I didn't say it. You can call me Mars. Detective Mars." [[Next|c1_cem]]

At the cemetery A detective at your grandfather's funeral? What the heck is ?dethe_she here for? Was Grandpa $henry that worried about some guests stealing the silverware? Is someone in the family in deep trouble? <<if $newz eq 1>> Or... is the detective here to investigate your DUI? If so, $bod_name would have let you know about it, right? <</if>> "It's your turn, $namemc," you hear Tess' voice as you come out of your haze. It's indeed your turn to say goodbye to your grandfather. Around the big hole in the ground containing his coffin, there is only a handful of people. Everyone is mostly dressed in black, wearing sunglasses, while hiding under their large umbrellas. Why use umbrellas when it's not even raining? You take a deep breath and walk over to the edge of the dugged grave: <<set _next = "c1_cem2">> <<choice_shown '"Goodbye, Grandpa."' _next>> <<set $r1 = " in addition to you,">> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Rest in peace, Grandpa."' _next>> <<set $r1 = " in addition to you,">> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"See you on the other side, $henry."' _next>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I can\'t believe you left me with these snakes. I guess you\'re the lucky one."' _next>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My portion of the inheritance better be huge."' _next>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_enabled '"Your favorite grandchild will miss you very much."' _next `($nik eq "fav")`>> <<set $r1 = " in addition to you,">> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_enabled>> /% [[c1_cem2]] %/

A blubbering sound causes you to look back and notice Aunt Flo clenching a handkerchief to dry the tears that are streaming down her face. It doesn't surprise you that$r1 she is the only one who is sad, and the only one showing true emotions about missing your grandfather. Even though everyone else has their dark glasses on, you can tell that nobody cares that much about the passing of the $surnamemc patriarch. You glance back at the grave before you, and as a sign of last goodbye: <<set _next = "c1_st">> <<choice_shown "I throw my diamond ring into the grave." _next>> <<set $evi = "ring">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I throw my diamond watch into the grave." _next>> <<set $evi = "watch">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I throw my diamond necklace into the grave." _next>> <<set $evi = "necklace">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I throw my diamond pendant into the grave." _next>> <<set $evi = "pendant">> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_st]] %/

<<set $r1 = " ">> Back at the mansion. In the study. Your father seems extremely nervous as he waits for the family lawyer to arrive. It's the reading of the will, the moment that everyone has been anticipating. Will Grandpa really leave all of his fortune to only one person? If so, does that mean the rest of you will all become poor and end up on the streets? Will any of you even be able to live without the money generated from the family business? Your mother would certainly never be able to live without her maids and her dear butler, André. Even Aunt Flo would be lost without money to fund her charities. And you... if you don't get your inheritance, you'll have to say goodbye to that place that serves as your home: <<set _next = "c1_st2">> <<choice_shown "The 248 million dollar luxury Penthouse." _next>> <<set $money1 -= 248>> <<set $money2 += 248>> <<set $ass3 = "luxury Penthouse">> <<set $priceass3 = "worth 248 million">> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<set $cost11 += 248>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The 141 million dollar mansion that I bought from a popular celebrity." _next>> <<set $money1 -= 141>> <<set $money2 += 141>> <<set $ass3 = "mansion">> <<set $priceass3 = "worth 141 million">> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<set $cost11 += 141>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The 95 million dollar townhouse." _next>> <<set $money1 -= 95>> <<set $money2 += 95>> <<set $ass3 = "townhouse">> <<set $priceass3 = "worth 95 million">> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<set $cost11 += 95>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The 18 million dollar renovated Mansion." _next>> <<set $money1 -= 18>> <<set $money2 += 18>> <<set $ass3 = "renovated Mansion">> <<set $priceass3 = "worth 18 million">> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<set $cost11 += 18>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_st2]] %/

Someone coughs and you look around to see your aunt Florence standing by the window, overlooking the circular driveway. Her veil is no longer covering her sad face that's full of wrinkles, and she seems lost in her thoughts. You don't know why, but seeing her like this triggers the memory of you standing by that same window, looking out as the guests arrived for your father's birthday party. <<set _next = "c1_st3", _mem = "memori1">> <<choice_enabled "I let the memories of that night flood back. 🔑" _mem `($keyz gt 0)`>> <<set $keyz -= 1>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_enabled "I take a deep breath and push down the memories." _next>><</choice_enabled>> <<choice_enabled "I ignore Aunt Flo and get comfortable in my chair." _next>><</choice_enabled>> /% [[c1_st3]] [[memori1]] %/

<<text>> <<if hasVisited("memori1")>> <<achieve "ke2">> <</if>> "Nervous?" Your brother asks as he approaches you. The two of you share the same $skin1 skin and $Eyes eyes, but his hair is... perfect. He looks like a young Kennedy wearing a hundred thousand dollar suit. <<if $skin0>> Well, a young Kennedy who has $skin1 skin. <</if>> "I'm not nervous," you reply, "but father seems to be." As if on cue, your father walks up to the nearby table that's full of drinks to pour himself a scotch. "Indeed," your brother replies, "What is that? His 30th glass for the day?" You chuckle: <<set _next = "c1_st4">> <<choice_shown "Despite the forced family competition, I still love my brother, and I always have a good time when he is around." _next>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" 15>> <<fairmath "$bro_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I can\'t believe Benny is standing next to me, making casual conversation. The two of us hate each other's guts." _next>> <<set $ben_hate = true>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" -15>> <<fairmath "$bro_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Does Benny think he can charm me with his jokes and make me forget our sibling rivalry? In your dreams, bro!" _next>> <<set $ben_hate = true>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" -15>> <<fairmath "$bro_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_st4]] %/

Benny glances at you as the smile fades from your lips. He then adjusts the vest of his suit, and looks straight into your eyes. <<if $nik eq "fav">> <<set _bro = "right? I guess being grandpa's favorite didn't serve you for shit, after all,">> <<else>> <<set _bro = "right?">> <</if>> "You do know that Grandpa is leaving me all of his fortune, _bro" Benny says, "But don't worry, I'll keep you and the others on a half a mil allowance per year." He smiles with his perfect white teeth, perfect face, perfect nose... <<if $ben_hate>>Ugh! <<else>>how did he get all the best genes? <</if>> You take a step back, putting some distance between the two of you: <<set _next = "c1_st5">> <<choice_shown '"Oh, Benny. Being overconfident is a bad look on you."' _next `$ben_hate`>> <<set $text = `"Bad look? You obviously haven't looked at yourself in a mirror lately," your brother says with a smirk, "And you also seem to forget that I have father on my side, unlike you... who have no one."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"You know, Ben... sometimes I wonder if we\'re even related."' _next `(not $ben_hate)`>> <<set $text = `"Don't worry, I ask myself the same question," your brother says with a smirk, "You're nothing like me, $namemc. And you know, sometimes I think Father is right about you... You really bring nothing to this family."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Just when we started to bond... you had to go and say something like this."' _next `(not $ben_hate)`>> <<set $text = `"Bonding?" Your brother says with a smirk, "You're on your own. I'm too busy bonding with Father who cares about me... Unlike you... who have no one."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_enabled '"With the current project I\'m working on... I\'m sure I\'ll be the one taking care of you when you flush the family money down the toilet."' _next `($newz eq 2)`>> <<set $text = `"Oh... you mean, $mc_comp?" Your brother says with a smirk. You arch an eyebrow. "You know?" Benny nods. "Of course I do. You're not the only one with a PI. You really think that little project of yours is going to take off? Don't answer that... You know, sometimes I think Father is right about you... You really bring nothing to this family."`>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"Do you ever stop being a jerk?"' _next>> <<set $text = `"A jerk? Is that your way of saying you're better than me?" Your brother says with a smirk, "You will never be better than me, $namemc. And you know, sometimes I think Father is right about you... You really bring nothing to this family."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_enabled '"Half a mil allowance per year? That\'s barely enough for one night of partying."' _next `($newz eq 0)`>> <<set $text = `"And that's all you care about, isn't it?" Your brother says with a smirk, "Just partying your life away, $namemc. You know, sometimes I think Father is right about you... You really bring nothing to this family."`>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_enabled '"You said it yourself. I\'m the favorite grandchild. That should be your answer as to who is getting all the money."' _next `($nik eq "fav")`>> <<set $text = `"Is that your way of saying you're better than me?" Your brother says with a smirk, "Favorite or not, you will never be better than me, $namemc. And you know, sometimes I think Father is right about you... You really bring nothing to this family."`>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"Whatever you want to do, Benny... I\'m fine with it."' _next>> <<set $text = `"That's exactly the answer I wanted to hear," your brother says with a smirk, "I pity you, $namemc. And you know, sometimes I think Father is right about you... You really bring nothing to this family."`>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_st5]] %/

<<text>> For a few seconds you can only stare at Benny, as if you are mulling over the words that you want to spit back at him. When you are finally ready to speak, the door of the study creaks open and: <<if $money1 gt 999>> <<include "irs_end">> <<else>> <<set _next = "c1_law">> <<choice_shown "A blonde woman walks in." _next>> <<set $law_name = "Cecilia">> <<set $text = "The woman who is holding an attaché case wears designer clothes, and her blonde hair is styled into a short bob-cut.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "A blonde man walks in." _next>> <<set $law_name = "Cecil">> <<set $text = "The man who is holding an attaché case wears an expensive suit— Great! Another guy in this room with a hundred thousand dollar suit as well as having perfect hair and perfect face!">> <</choice_shown>> <</if>> /% [[c1_law]] %/

<<text>> "Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry for the wait. My father Esq Storks couldn't be with us today, but I am fully informed on the situation and will proceed with the reading of the will of our late client, Mr. $henry $surnamemc." Everyone in the room takes their seat, and you find yourself sitting next to Benny. "That's $law_name Storks, in case you were wondering," your brother whispers next to you, "?Lawhe_she recently became part of our long list of family lawyers, and I kind of prefer ?lawhim_her to ?lawhis_her father. Easier on the eyes, if you know what I mean." You ignore his remark and focus on what $law_name is reading. <<if $law_name eq "Cecilia">> It's no secret that Benny is a Casanova when it comes to beautiful women. You also know that he loves men, <<else>> It's no secret to you that Benny loves both men and women, <</if>> and that he has been doing his best to hide this side of himself from Father since the beginning of time. <<set _next = "c1_law2">> <<choice_shown "Our father would no doubt blow a fuse if he finds out that his beloved son is part of the LGBTQ+ community." _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Sometimes I wonder if being part of the LGBTQ+ community is the reason why my father gives me the cold shoulder. 🌈" _next `($dad_rel lte 50)`>> <<set $rainb = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Even though I have a good relationship with my father, sometimes I wonder if being part of the LGBTQ+ community is the reason why he often gives me the cold shoulder. 🌈" _next `($dad_rel gt 50)`>> <<set $rainb = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Our father is — for the most part — a total ass. And if I were Benny, I, too, would hide my sexuality from him." _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I'm sure my father knows about me being part of the LGBTQ+ community, and I couldn't care less what he thinks. 🌈" _next>> <<set $rainb = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I hope Benny knows that I'll stand by him whenever he decides to come out to our father." _next>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law2]] %/

<<if (($pronou neq "He/Him") and ($pronou neq "She/Her")) or ($gender eq "non-binary")>> Although it took some time for $leon to get the hang of it, you take comfort in knowing that he eventually agreed to address you using your preferred pronouns, which is a small but meaningful victory. <</if>> Benny glances back at you as if knowing that you are thinking about his well-kept secret. "What?" He says almost defensively, "I'm just saying that our lawyer is cute." After taking a deep breath, you refocus on $law_name, and then the next few words out of ?lawhis_her mouth send a shock wave through the room. "There is a killer among my surviving family!" <<set $mem2 = "[9:30 pm.] A murder took place.">> [[Next|c1_law3]]

<<set $klu11 = "The killer is a member of the $surnamemc family.">> <<achieve "ku1">> <<set $all_ku += 1>> <<set $klu1 = true>> "Is that supposed to be a joke?" your father stands up from his chair, pulling on his tie. <<if $surnamemc eq "Killer">> "Of course, there is a Killer among the surviving family. That's our freaking last name!" $law_name looks up from the papers that ?lawhe_she is reading to address your father. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Killer, but in the matter of this will, your late father was referring to someone who has actually committed a murder." <<elseif $surnamemc eq "Murderer">> "Of course, there is a Murderer among the surviving family. That's our freaking last name!" $law_name looks up from the papers that ?lawhe_she is reading to address your father. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Murderer, but in the matter of this will, your late father was referring to someone who has actually killed someone." <<else>> "We have more important matters to talk about than you reading some kind of joke that my father wrote in his will." $law_name looks up from the papers that ?lawhe_she is reading to address your father. "Unfortunately, Mr. $surnamemc, the line I just read is the most important matter, because your late father was referring to someone who has actually committed a murder." <</if>> The sound of the slamming door echoes throughout the study as Detective Mars with ?dethis_her wrinkled blazer storms in. "This is ridiculous," Tess scoffs, "Our family may be an active nest of vipers, but we are not killers." "Vipers have venom," Detective Mars says without even looking at Tess, "So, try again." [[Next|c1_law4]]

Your mother stands up and turns to address Detective Mars. "This is a private room! We are currently handling an important family matter. Are you lost?" Then she starts yelling, "André! André! Where the hell is André? This guest seems to be lost!" Detective Mars stares blankly at your mother, then lifts open ?dethis_her blazer to reveal ?dethis_her badge before shouting: "Sit... Your Wealthy Ass... Down!" <<set _next = "c1_law5">> <<choice_shown "Ohhh... kinky. ❤" _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Hmm... interesting. ❤" _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Ha! You tell her, Detective Mars! You tell her!" _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Come on, now! That's no way to talk to a rich woman." _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law5]] %/

"There is no need to be that... informal, Detective Mars," $law_name says, "I'm sure Mrs. $esther $surnamemc wasn't aware that you would be joining us for the reading of my client's will." Your mother's eyes widen as she remains standing with her mouth open. She clutches her pearls until your father forces her to sit down. "Sorry, everyone," $law_name smiles, addressing all of you. "This is Detective Mars, and ?dethe_she will be present for the reading of the will. It was a specific request from my late client. Everyone, please return to your seats, and let's proceed." Just then, your phone starts to chirp loudly, and everyone turns to look at you. Damn it! When did your phone switch from vibration to sound? You look down at the screen and read another text message from $bod_name: What's the news? <<if $nik eq "fav">> Is it official? Are you the sole beneficiary of the $surnamemc's fortune? <<else>> Which one of the $surnamemc got the old man's fortune? Gosh! I hope it's you! <</if>> <<set _next = "c1_law6">> <<set _same = ` Your brother stands up and gestures around. "It's alright everyone. I'm sure Grandpa wouldn't want us making a fuss on a day like this. If he wanted..." he turns to Detective Mars. "What's your name again?" "Mars!" The Detective grunts. "If Grandpa wanted... Detective Mars to be in attendance for the reading of the will, so be it," your brother concludes before returning to his seat.`>> <<choice_shown "I apologize to the others and turn off my phone." _next>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<set $text = `"Sorry... sorry." You quickly turn off the phone and set it aside.` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I ignore the text and the weird looks." _next>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<set $text = `You ignore the text from $bod_name and don't even bother to apologize to the others in the room.` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I grab the phone and reply to $bod_name." _next>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<set $text = `Your fingers run over the screen of your phone as you quickly type, "Don't know yet. Still in the middle of it. Will update you later." Then you put the phone away, unbothered by everyone's quizzical look.` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown 'I make a joke... "Chill everyone. It\'s just Grandpa calling."' _next>> <<set $text = `"How do you even dare to make such a joke?" Your mother asks, shaking her head with a disappointing look on her face. Your brother stands up and gestures around. "It's alright everyone. $namemc is just joking, and there's no need for us to make a fuss on a day like this. If Grandpa wanted..." he turns to Detective Mars. "What's your name again?" "Mars!" The Detective grunts. "If grandpa wanted... Detective Mars to be in attendance for the reading of the will, so be it," your brother concludes before returning to his seat.`>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$mom_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law6]] %/

<<text>> "Thank you, Mr. $surnamemc," you hear $law_name say, then you notice ?lawhim_her staring right at you, seemingly taking ?lawhis_her time to study you. It starts from your $Haircolor, down to the $var3 you're wearing, finishing on your designer shoes. What is this family lawyer looking at? <<set _next = "c1_law7">> <<choice_shown "Yes... I'm hot. You want a piece of me? ❤" _next>> <<fairmath "$law_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Enjoy the view, $law_name. Enjoy the view. ❤" _next>> <<fairmath "$law_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Hello... ❤" _next>> <<fairmath "$law_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Hmm... does ?lawhe_she like my designer $var3?" _next>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Oh dear $law_name. I'm a ?person with baggage. Emotional damage, greedy family, and a competitive and presumptuous brother! No, I don't think you want any of that." _next>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Huh! Interesting." _next>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law7]] %/

$law_name gives you a faint smile before continuing with the matter at hand. The alcoholic drinks in the room give the family the courage to sit through all the legal mumbo jumbo that $law_name is reading. ?Lawhe_she once again explains the reason why Detective Mars is in attendance, then drops the dreaded news that no one will be inheriting until the killer is turned over to the police. "Wait? You weren't joking?" Benny almost yells. "I'm afraid not," $law_name says, "A couple of months before passing, your grandfather had acquired proof that one of the members of the $surnamemc family had committed a murder. A murder that is still unpunished. Thus for any of you to inherit, you must find out who the killer is and turn them over to the police." [[Next|c1_law8]]

There's a commotion as the other family members around you start to look uncomfortably at each other. "A killer? Really?" Tess scoffs. "Yes," $law_name says, "As the family lawyer, my father and I are the only ones with limited knowledge of the case. But the proof that your grandfather had gathered is kept somewhere safe, and it's sealed in an envelope that will be turned over to the police in one month. Hence you all have thirty days — starting today — to investigate and find out who the killer is. Whoever ends up with the correct name of the killer will be the sole beneficiary of the $surnamemc's fortune." "You can't be serious," your father growls. "Unfortunately, I am," $law_name replies. Behind you, the door of the study opens, and a young man enters. He is carrying a stack of paper that is overflowing. "This is my assistant, Ezra. He will be handing each of you the list of rules to follow to get your inheritance," $law_name says. [[Next|c1_law9]]

<<set $ro1 = "The Secret RO">> Ezra, a brunette young man likely in his early 20s, hands you a piece of paper. As you reach to grab it from him, the stack he is holding scatters all over the floor. "Oh! For fuck's sake!" Your father growls. "If that's how your people handle the paperwork, I already have doubts about how you'll handle the case." $law_name ignores $leon, and Ezra mutters a couple of words of apology before he starts to gather the papers from the floor. <<set _next = "c1_law10">> <<choice_shown "I help him collect the papers." _next>> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<set $ez_p += 1>> <<set $text = `His brown eyes meet yours, and a muffled "Thank you" comes out of his mouth. Once all the papers are collected, he continues to hand them out to each family member.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I watch him struggle." _next>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<set $text = `You ignore Ezra as he struggles to gather everything. Once all the papers are collected, he continues to hand them out to each family member.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I take a deep breath and sigh." _next>> <<set $text = `You take a deep breath and sigh as you watch Ezra struggle to gather everything. Once all the papers are collected, he continues to hand them out to each family member.`>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I shake my head in disappointment at Ezra because my father is right." _next>> <<set $text = `You shake your head in disappointment at Ezra as you watch him struggle to gather everything. Once all the papers are collected, he continues to hand them out to each family member.`>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law10]] %/

<<text>> $law_name clears ?lawhis_her throat and reads. The rules are simple. -You have one month to discover who the killer is and turn them over to the police to get your inheritance. -Be the first to find out the killer's identity to become the sole beneficiary of the family fortune. -If the killer surrenders before you discover their identity, the shareholders will inherit the family fortune. -If the month ends before anyone discovers who the killer is, the killer's identity will be revealed through the evidence gathered, and the family fortune will be shared equally among the members. "Any questions?" <<if $tess_rel lt 50>> <<set $r1 = "I'd like to say that Benny is wrong, but he is right.">> <<set $w1 = "Because with you out of the way, ?they will no longer be the loser that ?they ?youwas_were,">> <<elseif $tess_rel eq 50>> <<set $r1 = "You don't have to treat ?them like that, Benny.">> <<set $w1 = "I would throw you under the bus too if I was $namemc. You can be a real pain in the ass sometimes,">> <<else>> <<set $r1 = "Why do you treat ?them like that, Benny?">> <<set $w1 = "I would throw you under the bus too if I was $namemc. You can be a real pain in the ass sometimes,">> <</if>> <<set _next = "c1_law11">> <<choice_shown '"Let me put an end to this right now. The killer is obviously Tess."' _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" -5>> <<set $text = `"Kiss my ass, $namemc! If I was the killer, you would have been the first person I kill." "Tessandra! Watch your mouth. There's a police officer, right here!" Aunt Mira shouts. "Oh... don't mind me. I'm just here to watch," Detective Mars grins. Tess clenches her jaw, and you hear the lawyer continue, "If you have solid proof against your cousin, bring them by the end of the month for review. That's when we will reveal the killer's identity in case they haven't come forward by then."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Let me put an end to this right now. The killer is obviously Benny."' _next>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bro_trust" -5>> <<if $ben_hate>> <<set $text = `"Don't worry, $namemc! I hate you too! Saying that I'm the killer will not change the fact that you'll always be a loser!" Your brother spits. "Damn!" Tess sneers. "$r1"`>> <<else>> <<set $text = `"Come on, $namemc! Here I thought that this whole rivalry between siblings was all for show. Why are you throwing me under the bus?" Your brother asks. "$w1" Tess sneers.`>> <</if>> <<set $text += ` "You people really are a nest of vipers," Detective Mars shakes ?dethis_her head. But the lawyer is the one to speak, "If you have solid proof against your brother, bring them by the end of the month for review. That's when we will reveal the killer's identity in case they haven't come forward by then."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Let me put an end to this right now. The killers are obviously Dominic and Dominik."' _next>> <<fairmath "$domc_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$domc_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$domk_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$domk_rel" -5>> <<set $text = `"Shut the fuck up, $namemc! You just want us out of the way to get all the money!" Dominic points a finger at you. "I'll happily snap your neck and show you what a killer I am," Dominik glares in your direction. "Doms! Enough! Watch what you're saying, there's a police officer, right here!" Aunt Mira shouts at her offsprings. "Oh... don't mind me. I'm just here to watch," Detective Mars grins. The Doms shut up, and you hear the lawyer continue, "I'm pretty sure it's one killer and not two. But if you have solid proof against your cousins, bring them by the end of the month for review. That's when we will reveal the killer's identity in case they haven't come forward by then."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Let me put an end to this right now. The killer is obviously Uncle Rob."' _next>> <<fairmath "$unc_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$unc_trust" -5>> <<set $text = `"Dear god, $namemc! I don't even think I could hurt a fly," your uncle bursts into a nervous laughter. "For once, I agree," your father grunts. "Robert is a total wimp." "I would still prefer to be a wimp than an alcoholic, $leon!" Your uncle bites back. "Enough!" Aunt Mira shouts. But the lawyer is the one to speak, "If you have solid proof against your uncle, bring them by the end of the month for review. That's when we will reveal the killer's identity in case they haven't come forward by then."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Let me put an end to this right now. The killer is obviously Aunt Flo."' _next>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" -5>> <<set $text = `"Dear god, $namemc! Your aunt could never do such a thing," your mother argues. "I don't know," Tess sneers. "In most movies, the killer is always the quiet one." "Well, this is not a movie!" Your father barks. But the lawyer is the next person to speak, "If you have solid proof against your aunt, bring them by the end of the month for review. That's when we will reveal the killer's identity in case they haven't come forward by then."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Let me put an end to this right now. The killer is obviously the butler."' _next>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$but_trust" -5>> <<set $text = `"Dear god, $namemc! The butler? Really? You're really desperate," Dominik laughs. The lawyer is the next person to speak, "Your grandfather made it clear that it is a member of the $surnamemc family and not an outsider. But if you have solid proof against the butler, bring them by the end of the month for review. That's when we will reveal the killer's identity in case they haven't come forward by then."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"No, I have no questions so far."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Of course you don't, $namemc! Because you are the killer!" Tess shouts. "Don't be ridiculous," you reply. But the lawyer is the next person to speak, "I suggest that you all investigate. If you find solid proof, bring them by the end of the month for review. That's when we will reveal the killer's identity in case they haven't come forward by then."`>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law11]] %/

<<text>> <<set $r1 = "", $w1 = "">> A dead silence settles in the room. "One more thing," $law_name says, "As of today, you can only count on your personal funds. The company's assets will be frozen until the end of the month. Tomorrow I have a meeting with the shareholders to inform them of the matter." [[Next|c1_law12]]

"Hell no! What gives you the right to do this?" Your father growls. "I have business meetings and important people to talk to! Those expenses are always covered by the company!" "You can't do this," Aunt Flo speaks with a frail voice, "The company has always provided for the charity galas that I organize. We even have a big banquet in a week. I need that money!" "Mira and I also have our travel plans that are all paid through the family business," Uncle Rob chimes in. $law_name shakes ?lawhis_her head. "Not anymore. As of today, please use your personal money. The family assets and funds are frozen until this matter is resolved. Sorry, folks." [[Next|c1_law13]]

The family tries to give more reasons as to why their fortune shouldn't be withheld from them, but $law_name doesn't budge. Those are the last will and testaments of ?lawhis_her client, and as the family lawyer, ?lawhe_she has to abide by them. The meeting has now ended, and most of the family members make their way out of the room. Your father is sweating profusely, while Aunt Flo seems more shocked now than when she first heard the news of her father's passing. As for the others, they seem more upset by the news of the funds being frozen than having a cold-blooded killer in their midst. <<if $surnamemc eq "Killer">> Well, that's what happens when your last name is already Killer, you tell yourself. <<elseif $surnamemc eq "Murderer">> Well, that's what happens when your last name is Murderer, you tell yourself. <<else>> Well, with a family like that, you can't say you're surprised. <</if>> "Take everything to the car, Ezra. I'll meet you outside," you hear $law_name say to the young man before making ?lawhis_her way to you. "$namemc $surnamemc? I'm $law_name Storks, and I was stepping in for my father today. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Your grandfather had nothing but good things to say about you," $law_name smiles. <<set _next = "c1_law14">> <<choice_enabled '"I wish I had good things to say about him."' _next `($nik neq "fav")`>> <<set $text = `$law_name raises an eyebrow. "I didn't spend much time around him, but from the few conversations I had with him, he seemed to care about his family, including you." You don't respond as $law_name holds your gaze and smiles. "Anyway, I asked my assistant to make a lunch reservation for you and me tomorrow around 2 pm, if that's okay with you?" You raise an eyebrow. "You what?"`>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"Aww... that\'s nice of Grandpa. He will be missed."' _next>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<set $text = `$law_name nods. "I'm sure you'll miss him, and that's why I'm here to make the inheritance process as smooth as possible." To those words, you almost laugh. "Smooth? You just told the family that there is a killer among them and that the funds are frozen. From this point onward, nothing will be smooth." $law_name holds your gaze and smiles. "Understandable. That's why I asked my assistant to make a lunch reservation for you and me tomorrow around 2 pm, if that's okay with you?" You raise an eyebrow. "You what?"`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Let\'s cut to the chase. Do I really have to participate in this masquerade to get my inheritance?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<set $text = `"I'm afraid that it's not a masquerade, $namemc. And yes, the only way for anyone in the family to get the inheritance is to discover the killer's identity." "None of this makes sense," you say. $law_name holds your gaze and smiles. "Understandable. That's why I asked my assistant to make a lunch reservation for you and me tomorrow around 2 pm, if that's okay with you?" You raise an eyebrow. "You what?"`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Pleasure to meet you too, $law_name Storks. My grandpa was a good man, and he will be missed."' _next>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<set $text = `"Please, call me $law_name. It's already a mouthful when I talk to your family members that I would prefer us not to be so formal." You nod. "Sure, $law_name." $law_name holds your gaze and smiles. "By the way, I asked my assistant to make a lunch reservation for you and me tomorrow around 2 pm, if that's okay with you?" You raise an eyebrow. "You what?"`>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law14]] %/

<<text>> Before ?lawhe_she can clarify, ?lawhis_her phone rings. "Give me a minute, $namemc. It's my father and I would like to take his call." When $law_name walks away to take the call, you notice Detective Mars quickly making ?dethis_her way to you. "Hello again, ?you_var. Tell me something. Do you think this killer thing is real? Or is it just another game by a dead rich old man, who hopes his family would rip each other's throats out for an inheritance?" <<set _next = "c1_law15">> <<choice_enabled '"I think it\'s real. My grandpa loved me too much to put me through a farce."' _next `($nik eq "fav")`>> <<set $text = `"That would make sense, and also suit wouldn't get me involved in this if it wasn't real." "Suit?" You ask. The Detective gestures toward $law_name who is still on the phone in a corner of the room. "The lawyer. ?Lawhe_she says ?lawhe_she has evidence that ?lawhe_she will hand over to me by the end of the month. ?Lawhe_she wouldn't say that if it wasn't a real case." "Then that's your answer. I guess all you can do now is wait." "Yeah," Detective Mars nods. "I know that the real reason you attended the reading of the will was to watch our reactions to the news of the killer," you say. "If there really is a killer, who do you think it is?"`>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"From what I\'ve gathered so far, I think it\'s real."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Yeah, I think so too. Also, suit wouldn't get me involved in this if it wasn't real." "Suit?" You ask. The Detective gestures toward $law_name still on the phone in a corner of the room. "The lawyer. ?Lawhe_she says ?lawhe_she has evidence that ?lawhe_she will hand over to me by the end of the month. ?Lawhe_she wouldn't say that if it wasn't a real case." "Then that's your answer. I guess all you can do now is wait." "Yeah," Detective Mars nods. "I know that the real reason you attended the reading of the will was to watch our reactions to the news of the killer," you say. "If there really is a killer, who do you think it is?"`>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think you\'re wasting your time here, Detective. My grandpa was known to be a great jokester."' _next>> <<set $text = `"That's what I'm thinking too, but suit wouldn't get me involved in this if it wasn't real." "Suit?" you ask. The Detective gestures toward $law_name still on the phone in a corner of the room. "The lawyer. ?Lawhe_she says ?lawhe_she has evidence that ?lawhe_she will hand over to me by the end of the month. ?Lawhe_she wouldn't say that if it wasn't a real case." "Then that's your answer. I guess all you can do now is wait." "Yeah," Detective Mars nods. "I know that the real reason you attended the reading of the will was to watch our reactions to the news of the killer," you say. "If there really is a killer, who do you think it is?"`>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I don\'t know if it\'s real or not. All I know is that I want my inheritance."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Right. Money above all," the Detective mutters. "I know that the real reason you attended the reading of the will was to watch our reactions to the news of the killer," you say. "And if there really is a killer, who do you think it is?"`>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I don\'t know, but if there really is a killer among us, I\'m glad you\'re here." ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `"You don't say," Mars smiles. "You do realize that this will lead to me locking away one of your family members, right?" Your shoulders lift into a shrug. "I know that the real reason you attended the reading of the will was to watch our reactions to the news of the killer. So, who do you think it is?"`>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Hello again, Detective. You could have told me at the bar that you were here for this." ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `"Nah... and ruin all the fun? Not my style," the Detective smiles. You smile back. "So... the real reason you attended the reading of the will was to watch our reactions to the news of the killer. So, who do you think it is?"`>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law15]] %/

<<text>> Detective Mars takes a long look at you, then pulls on ?dethis_her wrinkled blazer. This time, you get a clear view of the cuffs hanging on ?dethis_her belt. "Does it really matter? You wealthy people are all the same. You think having money gives you a pass to commit whatever crime you want and get away with it. But if you really want to know my opinion... I think that you are the killer, and it's only a matter of time before I put these cuffs on you." <<set _next = "c1_law16">> <<choice_shown '"That sounds kinky, Detective. I guess we\'ll find out by the end of the month." ❤' _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It breaks my heart that you think I\'m a killer, Detective." ❤' _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"You\'re wrong, I\'m not the killer.' _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Sheesh! Hate wealthy people much?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My only crime is having been born rich, and what good is being rich if I can\'t get through life without suffering consequences for my actions?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$det_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$det_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law16]] %/

$law_name joins the two of you before the Detective can speak a word. "Sorry, $namemc. My father sends his regards to the $surnamemc family. And as for you, Detective, I will be in touch because we still have some details to go over." Detective Mars' gaze shifts from you to $law_name, then back to you. "Sure. We'll be in touch." With that said, ?dethe_she walks away. "Where were we," $law_name says once the Detective leaves the room, "Ah, yes. Lunch with me. Tomorrow at 2 pm. I hope you won't be late." <<set _next = "c1_law17">> <<choice_shown '"How presumptuous of you to think that I want to have lunch with you, $law_name."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Sorry, you misunderstood. It's a business lunch. I didn't want to say it in front of the others, but one of the clauses from the will of Mr. $henry $surnamemc stipulates that I have to take you out for lunch and give you a clue about the killer."`>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Just like that? No buttering me up, serenades, or flowers?" ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `"Oh... I'm all for sending flowers and serenading a ?person that I would be interested in, but... it's not that kind of lunch. It's a business lunch. I didn't want to say it in front of the others, but one of the clauses from the will of Mr. $henry $surnamemc stipulates that I have to take you out for lunch and give you a clue about the killer."`>> <<fairmath "$law_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"What\'s on the menu? You?" ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `"Are you implying that you would like to eat me?" $law_name smiles. "I'm only asking a question," you say. "I really wish it was that kind of lunch, but... it's a business lunch. I didn't want to say it in front of the others, but one of the clauses from the will of Mr. $henry $surnamemc stipulates that I have to take you out for lunch and give you a clue about the killer."`>> <<fairmath "$law_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Oh... you want to have dinner with me?" ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `"I do, but I should also clarify that... it's a business lunch. I didn't want to say it in front of the others, but one of the clauses from the will of Mr. $henry $surnamemc stipulates that I have to take you out for lunch and give you a clue about the killer."`>> <<fairmath "$law_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I\'m busy tomorrow at 2 pm."' _next>> <<set $text = `$law_name shakes ?lawhis_her head and grins. "Okay, I'm sure we can go at a time that fits your schedule." "What is it about exactly?" "It's a business lunch. I didn't want to say it in front of the others, but one of the clauses from the will of Mr. $henry $surnamemc stipulates that I have to take you out for lunch and give you a clue about the killer."`>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Hmm... what is this about?"' _next>> <<set $text = `"I'm glad you asked," $law_name smiles. "It's a business lunch. I didn't want to say it in front of the others, but one of the clauses from the will of Mr. $henry $surnamemc stipulates that I have to take you out for lunch and give you a clue about the killer."`>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_law17]] %/

<<text>> You open eyes wider. "Are you serious?" "Yes," $law_name simply says, "So, tomorrow at 2 pm? My assistant will call you with the details?" Just then, $bod_name walks into the room. ?Bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "find">> a corner and <<pverb $pron1 "lean">> against the wall, watching $law_name and you. <<if $bod_name eq "Keavy">> So many times your father had scolded you for having a woman as bodyguard. But you had always ignored him. What matters to you is that Keavy is great at what she does. <<elseif $bod_name eq "Keev">> So many times your father had scolded you for having a bodyguard who is non-binary. But you had always ignored him. What matters to you is that Keev is great at what they do. <</if>> <<set _next = "c1_bod">> <<choice_shown '"Sure. 2 pm is fine."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Perfect," $law_name smiles. "My assistant will call your assistant."`>> <<achieve "ke3">> <<set $keyz += 2>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <<set $dine1 = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Make it 3 pm. If we\'re going to do this, I want it to be on my schedule, not yours."' _next>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" 5>> <<achieve "ke3">> <<set $keyz += 2>> <<set $dine1 = true>> <<set $text = `"3 pm is fine," $law_name smiles. "My assistant will call your assistant."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Sorry, but I\'ll have to decline."' _next>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" -5>> <<set $text = `"You don't want the clue?" $law_name asks with a surprised tone. "I'm saying that I need time to digest all of this, so I'm declining your lunch invitation for now." "Okay," $law_name nods. "I'm sure your assistant will know where to find me if you ever change your mind."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Pass! That killer thing is just bullshit."' _next>> <<set $text = `"It's not. But I understand if you don't want the clue. Maybe you're comfortable with the personal money that you have and don't care much for the inheritance," $law_name says. "I just find it hard to believe." "Okay," $law_name nods. "I'm sure your assistant will know where to find me if you ever change your mind."`>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$law_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_bod]] %/

<<text>> $law_name gives you one last smile, gathers the rest of ?lawhis_her things, and makes ?lawhis_her way out of the room. You then walk over to $bod_name. "New friend?" $bod_name asks with ?bodhis_her eyes locked on you. "One of the new family lawyers," you reply as you ?dohair. "$law_name Storks." $bod_name only nods. <<set _next = "c1_bod2">> <<set _same = ` You don't reply as you take your time to look at ?bodhim_her. A six feet tall $bod_name stands before you, confident as ever. Many times you've tried to convince ?bodhim_her to switch ?bodhis_her leather jacket, pair of jeans, and boots for something more comfortable, but ?bodhe_she ` + setup.pverb($pron1, "have") + ` always refused. $bod_name does ?bodhis_her best to ignore your lingering stare, then changes the subject. "André told me something about a killer. Is it true? No one will be inheriting until the killer is turned over to the police?"`>> <<choice_enabled '"Why? Are you jealous?" ❤' _next `($bod_rom gt 4)`>> <<set $text = `"There's no reason for me to be," $bod_name looks away to hide ?bodhis_her smile, then looks back at you. "I'll get jealous when I meet someone who knows you better than I do. Until then, I think we're good."` + _same>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"Don\'t worry. Right now, you have my full attention." ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `"All of it?" $bod_name holds your gaze while suppressing a smile. "To be honest, I'm more than okay with just crumbs. I know there are plenty of other stuff on your mind right now."` + _same>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Why the look? Is something wrong?" ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `$bod_name opens ?bodhis_her mouth to say something, but immediately loses ?bodhimself_herself in your $Eyes eyes. "I... no. Everything is fine. I know there are plenty of other stuff on your mind right now. I was just inquiring about the lawyer, that's all."` + _same>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Why? Do you know ?lawhim_her?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `"Not yet," $bod_name shakes ?bodhis_her head. "But it's nothing typing a few keys on a keyboard won't fix. I'll try to see what I can find about ?lawhim_her."` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I\'m sure ?lawhe_she is just another shark ready to bleed my family dry for money."' _next>> <<set $text = `$bod_name chuckles, "I would be worried if your family wasn't able to afford it, but I think they will be alright."` + _same>> <<fairmath "$law_rom" -5>> <<fairmath "$law_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_bod2]] %/

<<text>> <<set _next = "c1_bod3">> <<set _same = ` "You say that like you don't already know everything about them." "There is a difference between my personal snooping and doing so with permission," $bod_name smiles.`>> <<choice_shown '"Damn! The help really listens to our conversations, don\'t they? And yes, that is what the lawyer said, and I believe ?lawhim_her."' _next>> <<set $text = `"I guess it's time to take a closer look at the lives of your family members," $bod_name grins.` + _same>> <<set $beliv1 = true>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$but_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"The help really listens to our conversations, don\'t they? I know that\'s what the lawyer said, but I don\'t believe ?lawhim_her."' _next>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$but_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<set $text = `"It's okay if you don't believe ?lawhim_her, but I'll dive into the others' lives to see what I can find just for you to be safe," $bod_name says.` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s all bullshit. There\'s no killer. It\'s just Grandpa playing with us."' _next>> <<set $text = `"It's okay if you don't believe ?lawhim_her, but I'll dive into the others' lives to see what I can find just for you to be safe," $bod_name says.` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Yes, it\'s true. One of the $surnamemc is a killer."' _next>> <<set $text = `"I guess it's time to take a closer look at the lives of your family members," $bod_name grins.` + _same>> <<set $beliv1 = true>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_bod3]] %/

<<text>> <<if $beliv1>> "Let me know what you find. I can't wait to know which one of them is the killer." <<else>> "Go for it. I might not believe that there's a killer among us, but it wouldn't hurt to check." <</if>> $bod_name buries ?bodhis_her hands into the pockets of ?bodhis_her black jacket, and grins, <<if $newz eq 2>> "In other news, Tokyo is getting ready to announce the IPO in two days. <<elseif $newz eq 1>> "In other news, I managed to resolve the issue with your DUI report. You're in the clear, and it's like it never happened. <<else>> "In other news, all the arrangements are made for your upcoming party in $party1 next weekend. <</if>> But for tonight, is there anything special you want to do?" <<set _next = "c1_bod4">> <<choice_enabled '"I would not say no to spending the night with you in my bed." 🔥' _next `($bod_rom gt 8) and ($hookup)`>> <<set $nig1 = "hook">> <<set $hookup2 = true>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"Find me a club and book the VIP section. I\'m partying until I pass out."' _next>> <<set $nig1 = "club">> <</choice_shown>> <<if $newz eq 2>> <<choice_shown '"I\'m spending the night working. I want to make sure that everything is ready for the IPO."' _next>> <<set $nig1 = "work">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_enabled '"I\'m going to work a little. But after that, I would love to spend the night with you in my bed." 🔥' _next `($bod_rom gt 8) and ($hookup)`>> <<set $nig1 = "w_h">> <<set $hookup2 = true>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_enabled>> <</if>> <<choice_shown '"I want to go home and spend the night deciding what expensive thing to buy."' _next>> <<set $nig1 = "buy">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I want to go home and rest. Today was long and awful enough."' _next>> <<set $nig1 = "rest">> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_bod4]] %/

$bod_name's eyes meet yours and ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "grin">>. "Then I guess it's time to go." You follow $bod_name back outside to your $ass1. You take one last look at the old family estate and hope that you'll never have to come back for another visit. With Grandpa $henry dead, this massive stone structure that you used to call home will probably be closed until there is another funeral. Although there might be a killer in the family, you also hope there won't be another funeral any time soon. <<if $hookup2>> [[Next|c1_sexit]] <<else>> [[Next|c1_bod5]] <</if>>

The Next Day, At Home... <<if $ass1 eq "Neiman Marcus limited edition bike">> <<set _exit = "dismounting from your Neiman Marcus bike">> <<elseif $ass1 eq "Veneno Roadster Lamborghini">> <<set _exit = "getting out of your Lamborghini">> <<else>> <<set _exit = "getting out of your " + $ass1>> <</if>> <<if $drink>> <<set _condition = "drunk from one too many glasses of alchool, and instantly feel the headache that follows">> <<else>> <<set _condition = "with a headache mostly caused by all the madness that followed the funeral">> <</if>> <<if $hookup2>> <<set _bed = "you — covers that still reek of $bod_name's smell, and the memories of your passionate love-making from the night before —">> <<else>> <<set _bed = "you,">> <</if>> You wake up _condition. You push the covers off of _bed and realize that noise from the maids using the vacuum cleaner doesn't ease your suffering. That's the price to pay when you live in a $ass3 with too many rooms to clean. Well, at least you have $bod_name, so that you're less alone in this big $ass3. You make your way to one of the living rooms where the TV is on. Two hosts of a popular morning show — Early Day with Vera and Bob — are talking about your grandfather's funeral and the guests who attended. Vera is a former actress turned TV host, and Bob is a former MMA fighter who has found his calling in hosting morning shows. Just then the screen cuts to a short video of you, _exit. The screen cuts back to the hosts commenting about your $var3. [[Next|c1_bod6]]

"Before we talk about the $var3, <<if $ass1 eq "Batmobile limo">> can we talk about the Batmobile limo?" Vera says, "What is the point of being a billionaire if you're going to parade around in a Batmobile limo?" "I don't know, maybe it's vintage," Bob laughs. "It's not vintage. It's childish!" Vera shakes her head, swaying her beautiful red hair. "Moving on..." <<elseif $ass1 eq "old limo">> can we talk about that old limo?" Vera says, "What is the point of being a billionaire if you're going to parade around in an old limo?" "I don't know, maybe it's vintage," Bob laughs. "But it's old!" Vera shakes her head, swaying her beautiful red hair. "Moving on..." <<elseif $ass1 eq "Veneno Roadster Lamborghini">> can we talk about that Lamborghini?" Vera says, "I mean seriously! Did $namemc $surnamemc wake up all the dead people buried in the family estate? That thing is so loud!" "We have a source that said $henry $surnamemc actually died a second time from the noise," Bob laughs. "Okay, Bob, let's stop it. That's not funny. We don't want $leon $surnamemc to send us a cease and desist, right?" Vera shakes her head, swaying her beautiful red hair. "Moving on..." <<elseif $ass1 eq "private helicopter">> can we talk about the chopper?" Vera says, "I mean seriously! Did $namemc $surnamemc wake up all the dead people buried in the family estate? That thing is so loud!" "We have a source that said $henry $surnamemc actually died a second time from the noise," Bob laughs. "Okay, Bob, let's stop it. That's not funny. We don't want $leon $surnamemc to send us a cease and desist, right?" Vera shakes her head, swaying her beautiful red hair. "Moving on..." <<else>> can we talk about that bike?" Vera says. "We ran a poll with our viewers, and it turned out that 45% think it's the best thing they have ever seen, while 40% of them think the bike is tacky, and 15% have no opinion whatsoever." "Well, I agree with the 45% who think it's cute," Bob laughs. "Nope! It's tacky!" Vera shakes her head, swaying her beautiful red hair. "A tacky 11 million dollar bike. That's what it is, Bob. But moving on..." <</if>> "Can you believe that $namemc $surnamemc attended the funeral of ?their grandfather all dressed in <<if $dress1>> a colorful $var3? I did not expect that," Vera laughs. "Well, rich people tend to be extravagant. I think it was cute because I wanted to see more colors at the funeral, and $namemc delivered," Bob argues. "Call it cute all you want, but I'm going to be the one who says it. I think ?they ?youdont_doesnt have any sense of fashion." <<set $tabloidt = "A ?person who is not afraid to wear an extravagant $var3 at a funeral.">> <<else>> black? I did not expect that, I wanted to see more colors, some red even," Vera laughs. "Well, not all rich people want to be extravagant," Bob argues. "Or... let's just say it, ?they ?youdont_doesnt have any sense of fashion." <<set $tabloidt = "A ?person who wore a boring black $var3 at a funeral.">> <</if>> They both laugh and continue to comment on your $var3 before switching the topic to your brother, who, as they put it, "Completely stole the show, looking all dreamy and handsome." Click! $bod_name turns off the TV before you can hear the hosts laugh again. "I've told the maids so many times not to put the TV on. Sorry you had to see that," ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "say">> to you. <<if $bod_trust gte 50>> <<set $r1 = "Of course, I trust you">> <<else>> <<set $r1 = "Well, I trust you enough to bury the bodies">> <</if>> <<if $tess_rel gt 50>> <<set $w1 = "Stop it. Tess and I actually have a good relationship">> <<elseif $tess_rel eq 50>> <<set $w1 = "Stop it. Tess and I actually have an okay relationship">> <<else>> <<set $w1 = "You have a point there. Tess is the worst">> <</if>> <<set _next = "c1_bod7">> <<set _same = ` $bod_name says, handing you a glass of water and some pain killers for your headache. You take the glass and the medicine from ?bodhim_her and let yourself fall onto a nearby sofa.`>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s okay. I don\'t mind."' _next>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<set $text = `"Good,"` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Can you believe those goofballs? They said I had no sense of fashion."' _next>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<set $text = `"Ignore them. They are the ones with no sense of fashion,"` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Thanks for turning that off. I have a headache the size of a mountain."' _next>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<set $text = `"I have just the right thing for that,"` + _same>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Find the maid who turned on the TV and fire her."' _next>> <<set $text = `"I will take care of it,"` + _same>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_bod7]] %/

<<text>> "First things first," $bod_name says, dropping a big folder on the small table near you. "I kind of went ahead and plucked out three files so far. I have something on your father, something on Tess, and something on your aunt Flo." "Wow! That was fast. Anything interesting?" "You can see for yourself, but first... I have to ask," $bod_name hesitates before finishing the sentence, "Are you the killer?" You chuckle and ?dohair. "If I was the killer, you would know because you would be the one getting rid of the evidence and burying the body." $bod_name smiles. "Why does that turn me on?" <<set _next = "c1_bod8">> <<choice_shown '"Wait! Dead bodies turn you on?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `$bod_name's face wrinkles in disgust. "What? No! Who do you think I am? Ted Bundy? No! What I meant was... it turns me on to know that you trust me enough to bury your dead bodies." "$r1." $bod_name nods, and you can feel a silence starting to set in.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_enabled '"Are you trying to work your way into another one night stand?" ❤' _next `($hookup)`>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<if $hookup2>> <<set $text = `"One night stand, huh? Last night was a lot of fun, and yes, I'm up for another round when you're ready," $bod_name teases. "Yeah,"`>> <<else>> <<set $text = `"That one night stand happened ages ago. But for the record, I'm up for another round whenever you're ready," $bod_name grins. "Oh... That's good to know,"`>> <</if>> <<set $text += ` you nod while feeling a silence starting to set in.`>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"It turns you on that I might be a killer?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `$bod_name raises an eyebrow. "Again, are you?" "No, I'm not." "Anyway, if you were the killer, you would still have my support. And what I meant was... it turns me on to know that you trust me enough to bury your dead bodies." "$r1." $bod_name nods, and you can feel a silence starting to set in.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"$bod_name, please! It\'s only 11 am. It\'s too early to be horny." ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `$bod_name chuckles. "Why? There's a specific time to be horny?" "I'm just teasing," you shake your head. "Yeah. That's all you do," $bod_name nods, and you can feel a silence starting to set in.`>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_bod8]] %/

<<text>> "Back to the files," you ask, "what did you find out?" <<set $text = `$bod_name sighs and takes a seat on the opposite sofa to yours. "Your father and your aunt Mira are having secret rendezvous and meeting up at the wee hours. Your aunt Flo seems to have some serious money problems while her recent donations all went to one specific charity group, an organization called 'Troubled Youth'. And as for Tess, she used to hold some weird parties at her place, and now she mostly spends her days contacting adoption agencies."`>> [[Next|c1_files]]

<<text>> <<set _done = "c1_guess">> <<choice_shown '"Tell me more about my father and Aunt Mira."' "c1_files_mirafather" `notsaid("mirafather")`>> <<run say("mirafather")>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Tell me more about Tess."' "c1_files_tess" `notsaid("tess")`>> <<run say("tess")>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Tell me more about Aunt Flo."' "c1_files_flo" `notsaid("flo")`>> <<run say("flo")>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Enough talking about those files. My head is about to explode." _done>> <<run clearsaid()>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_files_mirafather]] [[c1_files_tess]] [[c1_files_flo]] [[c1_guess]] %/

"They sometimes meet up at hotels and never at the same ones. There's a receipt for a bedroom at a remote spa in the mountains. It was advertised as a guru retreat, which I think is a good cover for two married people who want to get away for a weekend. There are some restaurants' receipts as well." "Wow! Any indication that my mother knows about those meet-ups?" $bod_name turns a page in the folder, and shakes ?bodhis_her head. "I don't think she knows. I started looking into her, but all I have so far is a large bill for an excessive amount of gin." You sigh. "That is some good investigation work, but nothing so far proves that my father or Aunt Mira killed someone." "Agreed, but if there's really something going on between the two of them, someone might have found out and... blackmailed them... which could be a motive to commit murder to silence that person." You nod. [[Next|c1_files_mirafather2]]

"There's something else," $bod_name adds, "The amount on most of those receipts are way too high." "What do you mean?" "I think whenever they were meeting, your father and your aunt Mira ware not alone. The price suggests that food and drinks were bought for multiple people. It's too much for just the two of them." "So, aunt Mira could just be the connection to something bigger?" You ask. "I think something is going on, but... I'm not sure what. Do you have any thoughts?" <<set _next = "c1_files">> <<choice_shown '"I think my father and Aunt Mira are having an affair."' _next>> <<set $susfg = "My father and Aunt Mira are having an affair.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think my father and Aunt Mira are part of a cult."' _next>> <<set $susfg = "My father and Aunt Mira are part of a cult.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think Aunt Mira is the front for a shady business that my father is taking part of."' _next>> <<set $susfg = "My father and Aunt Mira are taking part in a shady business.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think Aunt Mira is teaching my father how to become a healing guru."' _next>> <<set $susfg = "Aunt Mira is teaching my father how to become a guru.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s too early to form an opinion. I\'ll need more info."' _next>> <<set $susfg = "I don't have any assumptions yet. I need more info.">> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_files]] %/

"Why? Is there anything more to say about your cousin besides that she is the human incarnation of the devil?" You chuckle. "$w1." $bod_name turns a page and starts to read. "Tess' relationship with her direct family is basically non-existent. She used to hold strange parties — I'm talking Eyes Wide Shut type of events. Orgies with people wearing goat masks, and a pool that is filled with red water to simulate blood." "Ooookkkayy..." $bod_name turns another page and continues. "She used to do a lot of drugs too. Hard ones, soft ones, liquid ones, and anything you can think of was freely distributed at those parties." "You keep saying used to, so... she doesn't do that anymore?" You ask. "That's the thing. Two years ago, everything stopped. No more parties, no more drugs, and she even checked herself into a rehab facility where she stayed for almost a year." "Huh!" [[Next|c1_files_tess2]]

"Huh, indeed. As of now, I can't find any receipts for drugs or parties. She seems to be keeping to herself now, and all she does is contacting adoption agencies." "Something happened two years ago." "That's what I think too. Either someone died at one of her parties, and she felt guilty and checked herself into rehab, or she just grew a conscience two years ago and is now reformed." "That doesn't explain the adoption calls." "A reformed Tess may want to adopt a child, or want to put a child up for adoption if she currently has a child. Better yet, if it was a young mother who died at one of her parties, those calls could be her way of trying to find the baby to do right by the victim." "All good possibilities," you say. "There's one more. She could have found out that she is not your uncle's biological child, so she is just trying to find her birth father," $bod_name chuckles. "Anyway... what do you think?" <<set _next = "c1_files">> <<choice_shown '"I think Tess is trying to adopt a baby."' _next>> <<set $sustg = "Tess is trying to adopt a baby.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think Tess is trying to give a baby away for adoption."' _next>> <<set $sustg = "Tess is trying to give a baby away for adoption.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think Tess was adopted and she is looking for her real father."' _next>> <<set $sustg = "Tess was adopted.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think Tess is looking for the baby of someone she killed."' _next>> <<set $sustg = "Tess is looking for the baby of someone she killed.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s too early to form an opinion. I\'ll need more info."' _next>> <<set $sustg = "I don't have any assumptions yet. I need more info.">> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_files]] %/

"There were a lot of phone calls between her Penthouse landline and a specific number connected to the 'Troubled Youth' organization. What got me curious is that she never held any charity banquet for that organization, nor did the latter ever acknowledge her donations. So, whoever received that money pocketed it personally." "Is that even possible?" You ask. "If the person is high enough in rank in the organization, it should be pretty easy to embezzle the money. Another thing I noticed is that... these donations to 'Troubled Youth' were recent, no earlier than two years ago." "Something happened two years ago that made her feel the need to donate a large sum to someone at that organization." "Correct," $bod_name says, "Unfortunately, I don't have a name connected to the donations. I still need to do more digging." You nod. "Do you know what the 'Troubled Youth' organization is about?" [[Next|c1_files_flo2]]

"They take care of abandoned kids, orphans, or kids with a rough past. They're pretty legit," $bod_name says. "Okay, but how could any of this connect Aunt Flo to a murder?" $bod_name's shoulders lift into a shrug. "It's a stretch, but... this organization takes care of kids, and... your aunt never had any. So, there could be a secret child involved, and someone is blackmailing her about it. What do you think?" <<set _next = "c1_files">> <<choice_shown '"I think Aunt Flo has a secret child who is part of the Troubled Youth organization."' _next>> <<set $susafg = "Aunt Flo has a secret child.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think Aunt Flo is feeling guilty about something. That\'s why she is donating all of her money to the organization."' _next>> <<set $susafg = "Aunt Flo is feeling guilty about something.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I think Aunt Flo is being blackmailed by someone at the organization."' _next>> <<set $susafg = "Aunt Flo is being blackmailed.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s too early to form an opinion. I\'ll need more info."' _next>> <<set $susafg = "I don't have any assumptions yet. I need more info.">> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_files]] %/

$bod_name closes the folder, then runs a hand through ?bodhis_her short black hair. "I'll keep digging, but I was thinking... there are nine suspects, and only one of them can be the killer. If you were to take a wild guess at this point, who do you think could have done it?" "My guess would be..." <<set _next = "c1_bod9">> <<choice_shown '"My father $leon."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your father $leon.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My mother $esther."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your mother $esther.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My brother Benny."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your brother Benny.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My cousin Tess."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your cousin Tess.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My cousin Dominik."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your cousin Dominik.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My cousin Dominic."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your cousin Dominic.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My aunt Florence."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your aunt Florence.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My aunt Mira."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your aunt Mira.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"My uncle Robert."' _next>> <<set $sus0 = "your uncle Robert.">> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_bod9]] %/

"Good. That way I know who to keep an eye on," $bod_name stands up and quickly switches mode from PI to assistant in a matter of seconds. <<if $donatio gt 0>> "I already processed the $moneyd,000,000 you donated to the animal's charity, and you have a family meeting at 1 pm. It's a request from your father, and he wants to see you at the company's headquarter." <<else>> "A car will be waiting for us in one hour. You have a family meeting at 1 pm, requested by your father. He wants to see you at the company's headquarter." <</if>> "Did he say what it's about?" "No," $bod_name shakes ?bodhis_her head. "The assistant only said that it was a family meeting." <<if $dine1>> "I also have a late business lunch with $law_name today." $bod_name nods. "It's all set. The car will take us there whenever you're done meeting with your father." <</if>> "I better get ready, then." <<if $gender eq "woman">> <<set $evi2 = "purse">> <<elseif $gender eq "man">> <<set $evi2 = "wallet">> <<else>> <<set $evi2 = "pocketbook">> <</if>> [[Next|c1_bod10]]

After a long shower, you put on clean clothes, then walk back into the living room where $bod_name is waiting for you. "Have you seen my..." "It's on the small table," $bod_name replies without letting you finish. You smile and go to grab your phone from the small table. "What about my..." "Here," $bod_name says, handing you your designer $evi2. You ?dohair, and smile again: <<set _next = "c1_end">> <<choice_shown '"You know me so well."' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `$bod_name smiles. "You better remember that." then ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "bring">> a finger to the earpiece that ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "have">> on to alert the other guards who are waiting outside. "We're coming out. We'll be ready to roll in two." You shake your head and follow your bodyguard out of the room.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Look at us... we\'re like an old married couple." ❤' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `$bod_name smiles. "I'm not the marriage type, but that does have a nice ring to it." Then ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "bring">> a finger to the earpiece that ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "have">> on to alert the other guards who are waiting outside. "We're coming out. We'll be ready to roll in two." You shake your head and follow your bodyguard out of the room.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Now... would you mind helping me with my cufflinks?" ❤' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `$bod_name smiles. "Sure. I can help you with that." ?Bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "get">> closer to you as ?bodhis_her fingers slide over the soft skin of your hands. First ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "start">> with your right hand, pulling the tips of the sleeve together to adjust the cufflink. $bod_name holds your gaze longer than ?bodhe_she should, and your feel ?bodhis_her fingertips travel down your arm to reach your left hand. ?bodhis_her face is so close to yours, and you lean in for... "All done," $bod_name smiles as ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "walk">> away from you. Then ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "bring">> a finger to the earpiece that ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "have">> on to alert the other guards who are waiting outside. "We're coming out. We'll be ready to roll in two." You shake your head and follow your bodyguard out of the room.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Now... would you mind helping me with my tie?" ❤' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `$bod_name smiles. "Sure. I can help you with that." ?Bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "get">> closer to you, ?bodhis_her fingers traveling up your arms then your shoulders to reach your collar. $bod_name holds your gaze longer than ?bodhe_she should, and ?bodhe_she gently <<pverb $pron1 "pull">> on your tie to tighten the knot. ?Bodhis_her face is so close to yours, and you lean in for... "All done," $bod_name smiles as ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "walk">> away from you. Then ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "bring">> a finger to the earpiece that ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "have">> on to alert the other guards who are waiting outside. "We're coming out. We'll be ready to roll in two." You shake your head and follow your bodyguard out of the room.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Now... would you mind helping me with the zipper of my dress?" ❤' _next>> <<set $text = `$bod_name smiles, "Sure. I can help you with that." You turn your back to ?bodhim_her as ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "get">> closer to you, and you feel ?bodhis_her fingers traveling up your arms to reach your back. The zipper starts to inch upward, along with $bod_name's hands. ?Bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "take">> ?bodhis_her time, causing you to exhale every time the zipper moves. You can feel ?bodhis_her hot breath on the skin of your neck. ?Bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "are">> so close... "All done," $bod_name says, as ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "walk">> away from you. You turn around as ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "bring">> a finger to the earpiece that ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "have">> on to alert the other guards who are waiting outside. "We're coming out. We'll be ready to roll in two." You shake your head and follow your bodyguard out of the room.`>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Let\'s go. I\'m ready."' _next>> <<set $text = `$bod_name nods. "Sure," ?bodhe_she then <<pverb $pron1 "bring">> a finger to the earpiece that ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "have">> on to alert the other guards who are waiting outside. "We're coming out. We'll be ready to roll in two." You shake your head and follow your bodyguard out of the room.`>> <</choice_shown>> /% [[c1_end]] %/

<<text>> <<link "End of Chapter 1 (and the Demo)" "demoend">><</link>>

Thank you for reading. The full game will be available for purchase on Apple Store and Steam as of first week of May. You can [[wishlist the game on Steam|https://store.steampowered.com/app/2263860/Insert_Rich_Family_Name/]].

The FBI have been monitoring your bank account, and they believe that you were involved in money laundering. So they seized all of your assets, and now you are going to jail for fraud! <<set $money1 = 0>> <hr> <<include "demoend">>

Two Years Ago... 10:00 pm. It's the yelling that causes you to look down to see your father $leon screaming at a maid. The poor woman made the mistake of serving him a glass of rum instead of his favorite, which is scotch. Now, she's being cursed in billionaire because said rum had spilled all over your father. From the balcony overlooking the ballroom, you watch from afar as the waiters hurry over to clean up around the — already too drunk — man who is worth billions. With that scene, there's no doubt that your father has just won another nickname from the Tabloids. You can already see the headlines: "Birthday Party Turns Into Nightmare As $leon $surnamemc —" <<set _next = "memori3_1">> <<choice_shown "The drunk — treats the help like shit!" _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The toddler — throws a tantrum over rum and scotch!" _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The asshat — yells at a maid!" _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The rude — strikes again!" _next>> <</choice_shown>>

A faint smile creases your lips even as you think about it. When your father catches you smiling in that moment, he immediately starts to yell in your direction. "You think it's funny!" He vociferates, "I have rum all over my fucking suit!" Not waiting for any reply, he waves you off and walks away. While still cleaning the mess, the maid looks up to meet your gaze, and... Wait! <<set _next = "memori3_2">> <<choice_shown "Is she smiling back at me?" _next>><</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Was that a thankful nod?" _next>><</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Did she just wave?" _next>><</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Why is she looking at me?" _next>><</choice_shown>>

"Was that Uncle $leon's screams that I heard?" Looking away from the maid, you glance back for a second to see Tess moving closer to you on the balcony. When you look back down at the ballroom again, the maid is nowhere to be seen. You forget about her and focus your attention on Tess. "Yes. That was Father." "Is he already drunk?" Tess asks. It's a fair question since you've already made the assessment yourself, but you only nod in response. Tess leans on the handrail and looks down at the busy ballroom, lost in her thoughts. <<if $tess_rel lte 50>> You expect her to start bickering with you as usual, <<else>> Not having to constantly bicker with Tess is what keeps your relationship in good standing, <</if>> but with one more glance, you notice that she looks pale, like she hasn't slept in days. More puzzling is the fact that she's not sipping on a drink. <<set _next = "memori3_3">> <<choice_shown '"Are you okay?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Is that a new beauty trend you\'re following? The bags under your eyes are very on point."' _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Girl? How are you not drinking?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"You know, I\'m almost sure that vampires sleep every now and then."' _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

You wait for the sarcastic comeback, but it doesn't come. Instead, Tess flips a lock of hair over her shoulder and changes the subject. "You think Grandpa will show up to the ballroom?" She asks, "Maybe uncle $leon is angry because Grandpa hasn't shown up for the night." Tess has a point even if your father doesn't need a reason to be angry. Since the party started, Grandpa $henry has stayed in his bedroom in the north wing of the mansion, and is unwilling to accept visitors. The sole purpose of having the party at the family estate was to have everyone present under the same roof. And if Grandpa doesn't make an appearance even for the cutting of the cake, your father might blow a gasket. <<set _next = "memori3_4">> <<choice_shown '"Grandpa is an old man who needs to rest. If he doesn\'t come down, I\'m sure Father will understand."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Yeah, right," Tess chuckles. "Being understanding is not Uncle $leon's strong suit."`>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"If I were him, I wouldn\'t. This whole birthday party is already a mess."' _next>> <<set $text = `"I'm going to agree with you on that one," Tess chuckles. "It's more than a mess, it's a complete disaster."`>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Father is Grandpa\'s firstborn. I\'m sure Grandpa will come down for the cutting of the cake, at least."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Hmm..." Tess chuckles. "I guess it remains to be seen."`>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I couldn\'t care less what Grandpa does or if father gets angry. I don\'t even know why I\'m here."' _next>> <<set $text = `"You have more reasons to be here than any of us," Tess chuckles. "It's your father's birthday."`>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> Before you can add anything, you spot the maid from earlier moving through the crowded room below. This time, she has her coat on along with her handbag — a sign that she probably just got fired for spilling rum over your father's suit. You keep your eyes on her as she walks away. It's almost as if she can feel your gaze on her, because she stops mid-way and looks up in your direction. Panic? Fear? Disgust? Whatever it is, something startles her when she glances your way on the balcony. Before you can process it, she breaks into a run toward the exit. "What the hell was that face for?" Tess asks, having witnessed the same thing you just did. <<set _next = "memori3_5">> <<choice_shown '"I have no idea."' _next>><</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s the maid who spilled rum on Father."' _next>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s just a maid. Who cares?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Yeah, something is wrong with that woman."' _next>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>>

"Ugh! This party is getting weirder and weirder," Tess sighs, "and I know a thing or two about weird parties." After saying so, she straightens herself up to walk away, but misses a step and ends up clinging to you for support. You help her steady herself, and you notice — once again — how pale she looks. "Tess... Are you okay?" Tess looks at you with her eyes almost full of tears. "I..." You frown, looking back at her. "Tess? What is it?" "I don't know what to do," Tess sighs. "I... I just don't know what to do." Laughters from downstairs cause you to glance at the ballroom. There you see your father and Benny facing each other, laughing and hugging. That's all the distraction Tess needed to walk away from you, leaving you alone on the balcony with more questions than answers. [[Next|memori3_6]]

Present Day... The Tess standing in front of you in the green room looks nothing like the pale and worried Tess from two years ago. You somehow feel relieved that she is more like herself these days. That scene of your father and Benny hugging, however, might as well have been the same one from the party. <<set $mem3 = "[10:00 pm.] The maid got startled by something she saw.">> <<achieve "ke2">> [[Next|prologue_end]]

Two Years Ago... 9:00 pm. Clicking in and out of your message thread with $bod_name is not having the expected effect that you want. How is it already 9 pm and ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "are">> still not back yet? You glance once more out of the window overlooking the circular driveway. Still no sign of the loud 1969 Camaro SS — also known as $bod_name's baby. Although the two of you initially arrived at the party together, $bod_name had to drive back to your $ass3 to retrieve your father's birthday gift that you left behind. And without a gift: <<set _next = "memori1_2">> <<choice_shown "Father will think that I purposely didn't get him a present." _next>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Benny will spend the rest of the night calling my ass cheap." _next>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The two Doms will never stop making fun of me." _next>> <<fairmath "$domc_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$domk_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Mother will call me an ungrateful ?child." _next>> <<fairmath "$mom_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>>

Opening the text message again, you quickly type a "Where are you?" to send to $bod_name, then glance out the window once more. Outside, you can see the line of limos that keep piling up in the driveway, and you're even surprised to notice that most of the $surnamemc family members are in the yard. There's Benny, standing at the bottom of the stairs with André. They are both greeting the arriving guests for the party. A few steps away by the swan-shaped bush stands Tess, smoking a cigarette as if it's her last day on Earth. Further away by the valet parking booth, one of the Doms — too far for you to guess which one — is talking the ears off of a poor valet who is not being paid enough to hear whatever it is that Dom is saying. And last but not least, your mother — who appears to be upset — is pacing by the central fountain. She is yelling at someone on the cellphone that's stuck to her ear, and you're just glad that you are not on the receiving end of her call. [[Next|memori1_3]]

As you look for signs of $bod_name, you also keep an eye on your family members, who are coincidentally gathered around the same spot. Tess just lit up her third or fourth cigarette while she keeps smoothing down the front of her dress. By the entrance, Benny seems bored as he greets guest after guest. He looks like someone who wants to be a thousand miles away from here. Your mother continues to yell at whoever she is talking to, and Dom continues to be a bother to that poor valet. You look through your messages again, until the loud sound of a muffler brings your attention back outside, where you see the Camaro pulled up in the driveway while $bod_name steps out of it. <<set _next = "memori1_4">> <<choice_shown '"Finally!"' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"About fucking time!"' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Yes!"' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Another minute and you would be fired, $bod_name."' _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

$bod_name looks up and waves at you, showing off the golden gift box that is supposed to be your father's present. ?Bodhe_she then <<pverb $pron1 "toss">> the key of the Camaro to the valet standing next to Dom, and <<pverb $pron1 "mutter">> something before making ?bodhis_her way inside the mansion. As if on cue, both Tess and Benny look up to meet your gaze, but you ignore them, and walk away from the window. The door of the study flies open and in walks your aunt Florence. "Oh, $namemc! I'm so sorry, I thought the study was empty," Aunt Flo smiles at you. "But it's good that you're here. I'd like your thoughts on your father's gift." She quickly closes the distance and presents you with a little basket that's full of cookies. <<set _next = "memori1_5">> <<choice_shown '"Cookies? Your gift to Father is a basket full of cookies?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" -5>> <<set $text = `"Not just any cookies," Aunt Flo smiles. "This is your father's favorite kind. He used to pester our mother for them when he was a kid. Since I found the recipe, I took the time to bake some just to bring him a taste of our childhood."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Awww... homemade cookies! How sweet."' _next>> <<set $jok = 0>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `"Nice pun. And don't worry, I'll save you some," Aunt Flo smiles. "This is your father's favorite kind of cookies. He used to pester our mother for them when he was a kid. Since I found the recipe, I took the time to bake some just to bring him a taste of our childhood."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Oh, that\'s a thoughtful gift."' _next>> <<set $jok = 0>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" 5>> <<set $text = `"I know," Aunt Flo smiles. "This is your father's favorite kind of cookies. He used to pester our mother for them when he was a kid. Since I found the recipe, I took the time to bake some just to bring him a taste of our childhood."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"What... the fuck... are these?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" -5>> <<set $text = `"They are cookies," Aunt Flo frowns. "This is your father's favorite kind. He used to pester our mother for them when he was a kid. Since I found the recipe, I took the time to bake some just to bring him a taste of our childhood."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I hope for your sake that these are gluten-free."' _next>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" -5>> <<set $text = `"Gluten-free?" Aunt Flo frowns. "I don't think they're gluten-free, but this is definitely your father's favorite kind of cookies. He used to pester our mother for them when he was a kid. Since I found the recipe, I took the time to bake some just to bring him a taste of our childhood."`>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> "Aunt Flo, I—" The door of the study opens again, and this time your father walks in with a glass of scotch in hand. "What are you two doing in here, hiding from the guests?" He questions. "Umm..." <<set _next = "memori1_6">> <<choice_shown '"We\'re not hiding."' _next>> <<set $text = `$leon completely ignores you while he sips on his drink and approaches Aunt Flo, who has fallen silent.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Aunt Flo was just telling me about a special gift she got for you."' _next>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" 5>> <<set $text = `"Special gift?" $leon grunts as he approaches Aunt Flo, who has fallen silent.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Actually, we were talking about you."' _next>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" 5>> <<set $text = `"Oh really?" $leon grunts as he approaches Aunt Flo, who has fallen silent.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Hello to you too, Father."' _next>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" -5>> <<set $text = `$leon completely ignores you while he sips on his drink and approaches Aunt Flo, who has fallen silent.`>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> "What is this?" Your father asks, gesturing at the basket of cookies that Aunt Flo is holding. "It's... it's your..." Aunt Flo stammers, "The cookies from when we were kids. I... I remember that you used to love them. I baked some for you as a birthday gift." "Cookies from when we were kids?" Your father grimaces. "How old do you think I am, ten?" Aunt Florence doesn't answer. She looks away while her hands that are holding the basket slowly begins to shake. "Stupid cookies," your father scoffs. "Only someone as dumb as you would think it's a great gift to a man like me." <<set _next = "memori1_7">> <<choice_shown '"Father!"' _next>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" -5>> <<set $text = `$leon stares back at you as if he's about to scold you for calling him out, but $bod_name suddenly walks through the door.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_enabled '"Ha! I told her it was a bad idea."' _next `($jok eq 1)`>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" 5>> <<set $text = `$leon shakes his head and smiles at you. Before he can add anything, $bod_name suddenly walks through the door.`>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"Father... The least you can do is say thank you."' _next>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" -5>> <<set $text = `$leon stares back at you as if he's about to scold you for calling him out, but $bod_name suddenly walks through the door.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I stand there in silence while Father spews his venom at Aunt Flo." _next>> <<set $text = `$leon shakes his head at Aunt Flo. Before he can add anything, $bod_name suddenly walks through the door.`>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> Your father takes a long and hard look at your bodyguard who has no issue staring back at him. "I should get back to greeting our guests in the ballroom," $leon says as he storms out of the study. Once he is gone, Aunt Flo hurries out as well, but not before muttering some words of apology. "Is she okay?" $bod_name asks, handing you the neatly-wrapped golden box. You sigh: <<set $text = "Present Day...">> <<set $mem1 = "[9:00 pm.] $bod_name tossed ?bodhis_her keys to the valet.">> <<set _next = "c1_st3">> <<choice_shown '"She will be."' _next>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s Aunt Flo. When has she ever been okay?"' _next>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Father was nasty to her, but I think she will be fine."' _next>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I don\'t know and I don\'t care."' _next>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

<<if $henry>> <<capfirst "$henry">> <<else>> <<set $henry = "Henry">> <</if>> <<if $leon>> <<capfirst "$leon">> <<else>> <<set $leon = "Leon">> <</if>> <<if $esther>> <<capfirst "$esther">> <<else>> <<set $esther = "Esther">> <</if>> <<set $autosavename = "(Demo) Prologue">> <<image "pr1.png" "Prologue: Blood Is Thicker...">> It often bugs you when people say that you're rich. The issue with that statement is that you're not rich, you're wealthy. It's easy to assume that being rich equates being wealthy, but it's the wrong assumption. While someone can go to sleep poor and wake up rich, only the people born with a silver spoon in their mouth can wake up wealthy. As a member of a wealthy family, your last name is your ID, your passport, and your credit card. A magical word capable of making people around you bend over and cater to your every desire. The sound of it opens doors that are closed to most. It gets others to smile in your presence even if their smiles are fake. In short, your last name gets you everything you want. [[Next|surname]]

Sure, you're not the only wealthy kid around. Better yet, you're not the only family member carrying this name. There are a couple of cousins and a sibling, but for what it's worth, the name is: <<set _next = "surnamecheck">> <<choice_shown "Pollack." _next>> <<set $surnamemc = "Pollack">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Crowley." _next>> <<set $surnamemc = "Crowley">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Waldorf." _next>> <<set $surnamemc = "Waldorf">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Pepignan." _next>> <<set $surnamemc = "Pepignan">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Madrigal." _next>> <<set $surnamemc = "Madrigal">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Al Saud." _next>> <<set $surnamemc = "Al Saud">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Hilton." _next>> <<set $surnamemc = "Hilton">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Soprano." _next>> <<set $surnamemc = "Soprano">> <</choice_shown>> Or insert rich family name: <<textbox "$surnamemc" "">><<link "Okay" _next>><</link>>

<<if $surnamemc>> <<capfirst "$surnamemc">> Your last name is $surnamemc, is that right? <<else>> <<set $surnamemc = "Pollack">> You didn't insert a family name, so is it all right to assume you belong to the Pollack family? <</if>> [[Yes.|origin]] <<back "No, I want to change it.">>

For what it's worth, 30.7bn to be exact, the $surnamemc family always gets its way. The first generation started in the early 1900, when great-grandpa $surnamemc: <<set _next = "prologue2">> <<choice_shown "Emigrated from his European country to the US." _next>> <<set $contry_origin = "European">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Emigrated from his Asian country to the US." _next>> <<set $contry_origin = "Asian">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Emigrated from his Middle Eastern country to the US." _next>> <<set $contry_origin = "Middle Eastern">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Emigrated from his African country to the US." _next>> <<set $contry_origin = "African">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Emigrated from his Latin American country to the US." _next>> <<set $contry_origin = "Latin American">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Emigrated from his Caribbean country to the US." _next>> <<set $contry_origin = "Caribbean">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Decided to leave his Native tribe and move to a big city." _next>> <<set $tribe1 = true>> <</choice_shown>>

<<if $tribe1>> Which tribe is your grandpa from? <<else>> Which $contry_origin country did your grandpa emigrate from? <</if>> <<textbox "$contry_origin" "">> [[Next|prologue3]]

<<if not $contry_origin>> <<set $contry_origin = "Somewhere">> <<else>> <<capfirst "$contry_origin">> <</if>> It's the usual story about a young man from <<if $tribe1>> the $contry_origin tribe who moved to a bigger city <<else>> $contry_origin who moved to the United States <</if>> in the quest for a better life. Head full of dreams to make money, and the will to work as hard as possible. But instead, he met a great woman whom he fell in love with. They got married, and had a child together - a boy to be exact, your grandfather $henry $surnamemc. <<set _next = "prologue4">> <<choice_shown "Although, great-grandpa $surnamemc had experienced his fair share of mistreatments over the years. Racism, concentration camps, fighting for civil rights, and all that." _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Although, great-grandpa $surnamemc didn't get mistreated over the years, he has always been a great ally to those who were oppressed." _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Although, great-grandpa $surnamemc did have to live like a poor man over the years." _next>> <</choice_shown>>

And it wasn't until years later that the family grew its fortune. Yes! Today, the $surnamemc family is filthy rich and all that money comes from: <<set _next = "prologue5">> <<choice_shown "Oil. (Petroleum industry.)" _next>> <<set $money_from = "petroleum industry">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Media. (Channel news and brodcasting.)" _next>> <<set $money_from = "media market">> <<set $money1 = 900>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Industrial. (Retail stores and chains.)" _next>> <<set $money_from = "industrial market">> <<set $money1 = 800>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Automotive. (Cars manufacturing and others.)" _next>> <<set $money_from = "automotive market">> <<set $money1 = 900>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Hotel and Hospitality. (Hotel chains and restaurants.)" _next>> <<set $money_from = "hospitality market">> <<set $money1 = 700>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "A deal with a leprechaun (Your family is just rich and it was never explained how grandpa got all of his money.)" _next>> <<set $money_from = "hush-hush leprechaun deal">> <</choice_shown>>

A fortune that has been passed down to a later generation, and all managed by your grandpa $henry. A strict man with a strange sense of humor, and some would say, eccentric even. You'll never know if it was the money that made him this way or if the old man was truly an oddball. "Was," past-tense. Two days ago, a heart attack got the better of grandpa $henry. Now he is gone, six feet under. Well, not quite in the ground yet. You're on your way to the family estate for the funeral. The family estate used to be granpa's primary residence, and it's an old mansion that was built in the year 1960. You've visited it many times, and although equiped with modern appliances and decorated with style, the old house has always given you the creeps. You would have gladly passed on the chance to visit again if it wasn't your only chance to say your last goodbye to the old man. [[Next|prologue6]]

It's also your chance to see the other family members, and to find out who will get all the money. Grandpa $henry had always joked that his entire fortune will go to one person and one person only, but no one knew which one of the surviving $surnamemc would get the jackpot. The family lawyer had mentioned — in an email to everyone — that this information will be revealed after the funeral. More precisely, at the reading of the will. Such revelation — if true — is bound to create drama. Especially in a family that can barely stomach the sight of one another. In a couple of hours, Grandpa will be laid to rest, and all suviving members of the $surnamemc are expected to attend. It's hard to believe that the old man is really gone. The news of the passing of $henry $surnamemc came in when: <<set _next = "prologue7">> <<choice_shown "I was getting bailed out of jail after a DUI." _next>> <<set $var1 = "Last I heard, you got arrested for being a drunk driver, no?">> <<set $var2 = "And my answer to that, dear cousin... is that it's none of your business.">> <<set $newz = 1>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I was partying on the rooftop of the most exclusive club in Dubai." _next>> <<set $var1 = "Last I heard, you were partying in an exclusive club in Dubai, and wasting your life away, no?">> <<set $var2 = "Well, dear cousin, at least I know how to live my life.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I was partying on an expensive yacht in the Maldives." _next>> <<set $var1 = "Last I heard, you were partying on an expensive yacht in the Maldives, and wasting your life away, no?">> <<set $var2 = "Well, dear cousin, at least I know how to live my life.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I was finalizing a deal with some new partners in Tokyo with the goal of setting up my own company." _next>> <<set $var1 = "Last I heard, you were finalizing a deal with some new partners in Tokyo. Are you trying to make more money for the family?">> <<set $var2 = "News travel fast! But all I can say about it is... I can't share the details of this deal with you, dear cousin.">> <<set $newz = 2>> <</choice_shown>>

It's going to be fun seeing the family again. All of them gathered at that old mansion where the walls would tell horror stories if they could talk. Your last visits to the estate were for the celebration of your father's birthday, and a year later for your grandpa's 80th birthday. And if your memory serves you right, there were enough drama during both of those visits to start a reality TV show you would name — Keeping Up With The $surnamemc! Ah, yes. Seeing the family again is going to be fun. Especially knowing what the others think of you. They have always referred to you as: <<set _next = "firstname">> <<choice_shown "The black sheep of the family, always partying and spending money I'll never earn." _next>> <<set $nik = "blak">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Grandpa's favorite grandchild. They have always been a bit jealous of my bond with the old man." _next>> <<set $nik = "fav">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The odd one. Never fitting in, and always left out of family gatherings." _next>> <<set $nik = "odd">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "The know it all. Too smart, with a big mouth that doesn't shy away from telling what's on my mind." _next>> <<set $nik = "smar">> <</choice_shown>>

Anyway, who cares? You're only here to say goodbye to Grandpa $henry, then you will go back to your life. Living it as only you can. After all... you are: <<set _next = "namecheck">> <<choice_shown "...Mimi $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Mimi">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Alice $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Alice">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Ali $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Ali">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Benton $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Benton">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Marine $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Marine">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Ella $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Ella">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Ryn $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Ryn">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Trevor $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Trevor">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Jess $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Jess">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Max $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $namemc = "Max">> <</choice_shown>> My first name is: <<textbox "$namemc" "">><<link "Okay" _next>><</link>>

<<if $namemc>> <<capfirst "$namemc">> Your first name is $namemc, is that right? <<else>> <<set $namemc = "Mimi">> You didn't give a first name, so is it all right to assume you are Mimi? <</if>> [[Yes.|gender]] <<back "No, I want to change it.">>

And you are $leon and $esther's: <<set _next = "pronoun">> <<choice_shown "Only daughter. (the other sibling is your older brother)" _next>> <<set $gender = "woman">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Second Son. (the other sibling is your older brother)" _next>> <<set $gender = "man">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Second child. (the other sibling is your older brother)" _next>> <<set $gender = "non-binary">> <</choice_shown>>

When addressing you, they should use the pronouns: <<set _next = "pronouncheck">> <<choice_shown "He/Him." _next>> <<set $pronou = "He/Him">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "She/Her." _next>> <<set $pronou = "She/Her">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "They/Them." _next>> <<set $pronou = "They/Them">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Ze/Zir." _next>> <<set $pronou = "Ze/Zir">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Ey/Em." _next>> <<set $pronou = "Ey/Em">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Ve/Ver." _next>> <<set $pronou = "Ve/Ver">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Tey/Ter." _next>> <<set $pronou = "Tey/Ter">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Ze/Hir." _next>> <<set $pronou = "Ze/Hir">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Xe/Xem." _next>> <<set $pronou = "Xe/Xem">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "It/Its." _next>> <<set $pronou = "It/Its">> <</choice_shown>> My pronouns are <<textbox "$pronou" "X/Z">><<link "Let me define it" "pronouncheck">><</link>>

<<pronouns>> <<liveblock>> People might say, "$namemc $surnamemc — going by $pronou pronouns — ?youhave_has arrived. Whatever ?they ?youwas_were thinking of doing, ?they ?youdo_does not care anymore. ?They <<verb "wants" "want">> one thing. Inheritance is ?theirs for the taking. But ?youis_are ?they ready for the game?" <</liveblock>> Does that sound right? [[Yes.|honorific]] <<back "No, I want to change it.">>

Without forgetting that your honorific is: <<set _next = "prologue8">> <<choice_shown "Mr. $surnamemc the fourth." _next>> <<set $mx = "Mr.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Miss. $surnamemc the fourth." _next>> <<set $mx = "Miss.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Ms. $surnamemc the fourth." _next>> <<set $mx = "Ms.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Mx. $surnamemc the fourth." _next>> <<set $mx = "Mx.">> <</choice_shown>>

The front gate of the family estate comes into view, and you can see several black limousines lined up while guests and — so called — friends step out of them to enter the mansion. You were told that there will be a wake, then a short walk to the old cemetery for the final goodbye. You sigh. "I hope I won't be the last one to arrive. After all, I'm making my entrance..." <<set _next = "prologue9">> <<choice_shown "In my private helicopter." _next>> <<set $text = "As soon as the chopper touches ground, you close the short distance to the entrance of the mansion, and there you are greeted by the butler, André. He is standing at the end of the stairs with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for you.">> <<set $money1 -= 14>> <<set $money2 += 14>> <<set $ass1 = "private helicopter">> <<set $var3 = "air traffic and the rain">> <<set $priceass1 = "worth 14 million">> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<set $cost11 += 14>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Riding my Neiman Marcus limited edition bike." _next>> <<set $text = "Your feet touch ground once you dismount from your bike, and then you are greeted by the butler, André. He is standing at the end of the stairs with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for you.">> <<set $money1 -= 11>> <<set $money2 += 11>> <<set $ass1 = "Neiman Marcus limited edition bike">> <<set $priceass1 = "worth 11 million">> <<set $var3 = "traffic and the rain">> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<set $cost11 += 11>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "In my Batmobile limo." _next>> <<set $text = "The limo parks at the entrance of the mansion while the driver hurries around to open the door on your side, at which point you are greeted by the butler, André. He is standing at the end of the stairs with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for you.">> <<set $money1 -= 4>> <<set $money2 += 4>> <<set $ass1 = "Batmobile limo">> <<set $priceass1 = "worth 4 million">> <<set $var3 = "traffic and the rain">> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<set $cost11 += 4>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Driving my Veneno Roadster Lamborghini." _next>> <<set $text = "As you park the Lamborghini at the entrance of the mansion, the doors rise for you to exit, at which point you are greeted by the butler, André. He is standing at the end of the stairs with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for you.">> <<set $money1 -= 8>> <<set $money2 += 8>> <<set $ass1 = "Veneno Roadster Lamborghini">> <<set $priceass1 = "worth 8 million">> <<set $var3 = "traffic and the rain">> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<set $cost11 += 8>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "In my old limo." _next>> <<set $text = "The limo parks at the entrance of the mansion while the driver hurries around to open the door on your side, at which point you are greeted by the butler, André. He is standing at the end of the stairs with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for you.">> <<set $money1 -= 1>> <<set $money2 += 1>> <<set $ass1 = "old limo">> <<set $var3 = "traffic and the bad weather">> <<set $priceass1 = "worth 1 million">> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<set $cost11 += 1>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> <<set $tabloidt = "just another rich kid">> "Good afternoon, $mx $surnamemc. I hope you had a good trip." André has been at the service of the $surnamemc family for as long as you can remember. With a bald head and a face full of wrinkles, he is always wearing his impeccable uniform. André the butler, always ready to cater to the needs of his employers. <<set _next = "prologue10">> <<choice_shown '"Hello, André. My trip was fine, thank you."' _next>> <<set $text = `André nods, "That is good to hear, ?mx1."`>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"André! My man! What\'s up, old rag?"' _next>> <<set $text = `André's mouth curls up into a smile as his professionalism prevents him from laughing at your greeting/joke. "I'm doing great, ?mx1. Thank you for asking."`>> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"No champagne? That\'s how you greet me? I\'m a $surnamemc for God\'s sake, treat me with respect!"' _next>> <<set $text = `André's eyes go wide, "Champagne, ?mx1 — Of course... I will have some brought to you right away." "Well, it's too late now. You've ruined my grand entré."`>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"André? Only talk to me when I talk to you!"' _next>> <<set $text = `André bows and starts to apologize, "?mx1 — Of course... I... I am really sorry for the disturbance."`>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Good afternoon to you too, André. The trip would have been fine if it wasn\'t for the $var3, but I guess the $surnamemc family is yet to control the weather."' _next>> <<set $text = `André nods, "Unfortunately, ?mx1. Hopefully in a near future they will be able to do that."`>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> You walk past André and make your way inside. "Am I the last one to arrive?" "No, ?mx1. We are still expecting your brother. But your mother and father are gathered in the green room, and the rest of the family is getting ready in their respective chambers. Should I announce your arrival?" What André calls the green room is the tea room — mostly used for drinking alcohol — where the family would gather before mixing with the guests. <<set _next = "prologue11">> <<choice_shown '"Yes, André. Announce my arrival."' _next>> <<set $text = `The butler immediately opens the door of the green room and clears his throat. "Mr. and Mrs. $surnamemc, your ?child, $mx $namemc $surnamemc the fourth has arrived." None of your parents seem to bat an eye at the announcement.`>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Are you seriously asking me this, André? Just announce me!"' _next>> <<set $text = `The butler immediately opens the door of the green room and clears his throat. "Mr. and Mrs. $surnamemc, your ?child, $mx $namemc $surnamemc the fourth has arrived." None of your parents seem to bat an eye at the announcement.`>> <<fairmath "$brat1" -5>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"No need. I know the way."' _next>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"That will not be necessary, André. Thank you."' _next>> <<fairmath "$brat1" 5>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<fairmath "$but_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> Inside the green room, your father is pacing around while talking on the phone, and your mother is sitting on a velvet armchair, sipping on — without a doubt — some gin and tonic. $esther $surnamemc is what some would call a gold digger. Before marrying your father, she was mostly on the streets, couch surfing — whatever that means — from friends to friends. Your parents' love story might have been the whole idea behind the movie Pretty Woman. Except, your mother has now taken her role of the lady of the house too literally. [[Next|looks]]

Nowadays, your mother acts like the seller at the clothing store who threw Julia Roberts out to the streets for being too poor. Yet, you share the same skin tone with that woman in the chair... <<set _skinColors = ["pale", "brown", "light pale", "tan", "olive", "black", "dark-brown"]>> <<listbox "$skin1" autoselect>> <<optionsfrom _skinColors>> <</listbox>> skin. You even share the same eye color, <<set _eyeColors = ["green", "blue", "brown", "hazel", "black", "dark brown", "grey", "light blue", "light green", "one blue, one black", "one blue, one brown", "one black, one green", "one black, one red", "one green, one brown", "one red, one brown", "one red, one green", "one green, one blue", "one black, one grey"]>> <<listbox "$Eyes" autoselect>> <<optionsfrom _eyeColors>> <</listbox>>. Although... your hair is not the same as hers. <<set _hairStyles = { "Yours is a wavy" : "wavy", "Yours is kinky" : "kinky", "Yours is coarse" : "coarse", "Yours is silky" : "silky", "Yours is straight" : "straight", "Yours is curly" : "curly", "Yours is messy" : "messy", "Yours is shaved on the sides" : "shaved sides", "You have a bald head" : "clean" } >> <<listbox "$type" autoselect>> <<optionsfrom _hairStyles>> <</listbox>>. [[Next|hair2]]

<<include "setextralooksvariables">> <<if $type eq "clean">> <<include "outfit">> <<else>> More specifically, you have... <<set _next = "outfit">> <<if not (($type eq "silky") or ($type eq "straight"))>> <<choice_shown "puffy afro" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "puffy afro">> <<set $styl = "long">> <<set $dreada = "a1">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "short afro" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "short afro">> <<set $styl = "short">> <<set $dreada = "a1">> <</choice_shown>> <</if>> <<choice_shown "long blonde hair" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "long blonde hair">> <<set $styl = "long">> <<set $dreada = "n1">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "short blonde hair" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "short blonde hair">> <<set $styl = "short">> <<set $dreada = "n1">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "long brown hair" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "long brown hair">> <<set $styl = "long">> <<set $dreada = "n1">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "short brown hair" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "short brown hair">> <<set $styl = "short">> <<set $dreada = "n1">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "long red hair" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "long red hair">> <<set $styl = "long">> <<set $dreada = "n1">> <<set $red = "red just like yours">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "short red hair" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "short red hair">> <<set $styl = "short">> <<set $dreada = "n1">> <<set $red = "red just like yours">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "long black hair" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "long black hair">> <<set $styl = "long">> <<set $dreada = "n1">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "short black hair" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "short black hair">> <<set $styl = "short">> <<set $dreada = "n1">> <<set $dread1 = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "long dreadlocks" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "long dreadlocks">> <<set $styl = "long">> <<set $dreada = "l1">> <<set $dread1 = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "short dreadlocks" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "short dreadlock">> <<set $styl = "short">> <<set $dreada = "l1">> <<set $dread1 = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "long box braids" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "long box braids">> <<set $styl = "long">> <<set $dreada = "l1">> <<set $dread1 = true>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "short box braids" _next>> <<set $Haircolor = "short box braids">> <<set $styl = "short">> <<set $dreada = "l1">> <<set $dread1 = true>> <</choice_shown>> <</if>>

<<if $skin1 eq "pale">> <<set $Skintone = "Pale">> <<elseif $skin1 eq "brown">> <<set $Skintone = "Brown">> <<set $skin0 = true>> <<elseif $skin1 eq "light pale">> <<set $Skintone = "Light Pale">> <<elseif $skin1 eq "tan">> <<set $Skintone = "Tan">> <<set $skin0 = true>> <<elseif $skin1 eq "olive">> <<set $Skintone = "Olive">> <<set $skin0 = true>> <<elseif $skin1 eq "black">> <<set $Skintone = "Black">> <<set $skin0 = true>> <<else>> <<set $Skintone = "Dark-brown">> <<set $skin0 = true>> <</if>> <<if $Eyes.startsWith("one")>> <<set $eye1 = true>> <</if>> <<if $type eq "clean">> <<set $bal2 = 1>> <<set $Haircolor = "bald head">> <</if>>

When the sleepy and drunk eyes of your mother finally fall on you, she grimaces instantly. "Ugh! $namemc? What the hell are you wearing?" Your mother grunts, shaking her head. "This is a funeral, for God's sake. Not some sort of—" "Some sort of what?" You cut her short. <<fairmath "$mom_rel" -5>> <<set _next = "tess">> <<set _colorful = "It's colorful, chic, and expensive. Sure, it's not the appropriate color for a funeral, but black clothes are so last season.">> <<set $text = "It's black, chic, and expensive. Let's not forget that it's also the appropriate color to wear at a funeral. What more does your mother need?">> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a red suit from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<achieve "rich1">> <<set $var3 = "suit">> <<set $text = _colorful>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a red jumpsuit from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<achieve "rich1">> <<set $var3 = "jumpsuit">> <<set $text = _colorful>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a red ensemble from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<achieve "rich1">> <<set $var3 = "ensemble">> <<set $text = _colorful>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a colorful suit from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<achieve "rich1">> <<set $var3 = "suit">> <<set $text = _colorful>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a colorful jumpsuit from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<achieve "rich1">> <<set $var3 = "jumpsuit">> <<set $text = _colorful>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a colorful ensemble from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<achieve "rich1">> <<set $var3 = "ensemble">> <<set $text = _colorful>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a red dress from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<achieve "rich1">> <<set $var3 = "dress">> <<set $text = _colorful>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a colorful dress from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<achieve "rich1">> <<set $var3 = "dress">> <<set $text = _colorful>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a black ensemble from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<set $var3 = "ensemble">> <<set $dress1 = 0>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a black jumpsuit from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<set $var3 = "jumpsuit">> <<set $dress1 = 0>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a black dress from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<set $var3 = "dress">> <<set $dress1 = 0>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s a black suit from the most expensive designer."' _next>> <<set $var3 = "suit">> <<set $dress1 = 0>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> "Oh, I swear... you spend your money on the dullest outfit. Why can't you be more like your brother?" Your mother says, rubbing her left temple with one hand while the other brings the glass of gin and tonic to her lips. Ah, right! Your brother Bennedict $surnamemc, the perfect son. <<if $gender eq "man">> Or the beloved son as he usually puts it, as if it wasn't hard enough for you to live in his shadow. <<elseif $gender eq "woman">> Or the beloved as he usually puts it, as if it wasn't hard enough being a woman in a family ruled by men. <<else>> Or the beloved as he usually puts it, as if it wasn't hard enough being non-binary in a family ruled by men. <</if>> For all you know, you'll always be known as ?you_var, which always sounds like an insult when your family says it. "Oh, Aunt $esther, you're wasting your breath with this one." You turn around to see your cousin Tess walking into the green room. She is followed by her twin brothers — also your cousins — Dominic, and Dominik. Tess is tall, svelte, wears blue fake contact lenses, and has snow-colored hair — not her natural color. Tess is the perfect image of a female Jack Frost. Well, if Jack Frost was a rich and spoiled brat. <<set _next = "prologue12">> <<choice_shown "All that is to say... Tess is terribly annoying." _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "But despite all of her flaws, Tess is my cousin and I like her." _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Tess is just... Tess. Cold, manipulative, bitter, jealous, and annoying." _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "...Tess is just... my cousin." _next>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>>

Tess pours herself a drink from the carafe, takes a sip, then turns to you. "I didn't think you would make it to Grandpa's funeral, $namemc. $var1" You smooth down the front of your $var3 before replying: <<set _next = "prologue13">> <<choice_shown '"$var2"' _next>> <<set $text = "Before Tess can bite back, your father beckons you to come over as he passes you the phone.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"How do you always know about the latest news?"' _next>> <<set $text = "Before Tess can reply, your father beckons you to come over as he passes you the phone.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"You\'re keeping tab on me now, couz?"' _next>> <<set $text = "Tess rolls her eyes at you, and your father beckons you to come over as he passes you the phone.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Well, you\'ve heard wrong!"' _next>> <<set $text = "Tess smirks and before she can add anything else, your father beckons you to come over as he passes you the phone.">> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> "It's a charity group for mistreated animals," $leon mutters. "They want a donation. Talk to them, I need a drink." He leaves you with the phone, then walks over to the small table that's filled with alcoholic drinks. [[Next|prologue14]]

On the other end of the line, the voice of a woman speaks, "Hello... Mr. $surnamemc? Hello?" "Umm... it's his ?child on the phone now... What is it again that you do?" You ask. "Oh, hello... of course... We are a charity group for mistreated animals, you know those poor things, they get so mistreated and our charity creates a safe place for them and we take care of them. As I was telling your father... I know today is your grandfather's funeral... and it's not really the time to ask." "Indeed," you say. "Well, yes. I understand that your family is mourning the loss," the woman continues, "but if we could have a small donation from you..." <<set _next = "prologue15">> <<choice_shown '"You said it yourself. It\'s my grandfather\'s funeral and you should be ashamed of asking us for money during such hard times."' _next>> <<set $text = "The woman tries to convince you by citing all the mistreatments that animals endure, but you have long since ended the call. The nerve of these people trying to get money from you on the day of your grandfather's funeral.">> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I\'ll have my people call your people for that donation. Good day, Ma\'am, I have to go."' _next>> <<fairmath "$kind1" -5>> <<fairmath "$self1" -5>> <<set $text = "The woman tries to convince you by citing all the mistreatments that animals endure, but you have long since ended the call. The nerve of these people trying to get money from you on the day of your grandfather's funeral.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Of course, I love animals and they should be treated better in this world. I\'ll donate $3,000,000 to your charity."' _next>> <<set $text = `The woman praises the lord, then starts to list all the animals that your money will provide a better life for, but you cut her short, "Yes, yes, you're welcome. I'll have my assistant send you the check. Thank you, bye bye."`>> <<set $money1 -= 3>> <<set $moneyd += 3>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<set $donatio += 1>> <<set $tabloidt = "a rich kid who stands against animal cruelty">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Of course, I love animals and they should be treated better in this world. I\'ll donate $2,000,000 to your charity."' _next>> <<set $text = `The woman praises the lord, then starts to list all the animals that your money will provide a better life for, but you cut her short, "Yes, yes, you're welcome. I'll have my assistant send you the check. Thank you, bye bye."`>> <<set $money1 -= 2>> <<set $moneyd += 2>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<set $donatio += 1>> <<set $tabloidt = "a rich kid who stands against animal cruelty">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Of course, I love animals and they should be treated better in this world. I\'ll donate $1,000,000 to your charity."' _next>> <<set $text = `The woman praises the lord, then starts to list all the animals that your money will provide a better life for, but you cut her short, "Yes, yes, you're welcome. I'll have my assistant send you the check. Thank you, bye bye."`>> <<set $money1 -= 1>> <<set $moneyd += 1>> <<fairmath "$kind1" 5>> <<set $donatio += 1>> <<fairmath "$self1" 5>> <<set $tabloidt = "a rich kid who stands against animal cruelty">> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> In the corner of the green room, the twins are also getting a drink next to your father. It's not even 11 am yet and the family is already bathing in hard alcohol. "The stocks are all over the place," your father growls. "My father's death hit us hard. Everyone needs to be on their best behavior, because all it will take is one scandal to tank the stocks even more." "Is it that bad?" Dominic asks, sipping on some scotch. "See for yourself," Dominik says, dropping the daily newspaper on the table so that even you can read the headlines. [[Next|prologue16]]

<<if $tribe1>> <<set _from = "moved away from his $contry_origin tribe in the early 1900 and had a son $henry.">> <<else>> <<set _from = "emigrated from $contry_origin in the early 1900 and had a son $henry.">> <</if>> <<set _from += " The surviving family of $henry $surnamemc are his two sons, $leon and Robert, his daughter Florence, and a couple of grandchildren">> <<image "p01.png" "News headline">> Death Among The Wealthy! <<image "pr0.png" "right" "icon of stock market falling trend">> The funeral of the patriarch $surnamemc will be held at the family estate. $henry $surnamemc will be laid to rest in the presence of his surviving family. Regardless, the death in the family has caused the $surnamemc stocks to plummet. The first $surnamemc _from. [[Next|prologue17]]

Note: Every time the $surnamemc stocks go down, you will lose 2 million of your personal wealth. <<set $money1 -= 2, $money4 += 2>> "I can't believe this shit!" Your father growls. "I am losing money!" Tess chuckles. "It's we, uncle $leon. We are losing money." Your father waves a hand, dismissing Tess's remark. "You know what I meant." <<if $money_from eq "media market">> "We own the media, can't we just sway the news," your mother argues between two gulps of gin and tonic. "We could if half of the country didn't read the news from our competitor. So many times I have asked Father to buy out 'The Daily News', but he always refused. Now their tabloids are dragging our name through the mud," your father grunts. <</if>> You give the headlines of the newspaper one last read and ?dohair. <<set _next = "prologue18">> <<choice_shown '"It\'s normal for Grandpa\'s death to send the stocks into a frenzy. We just need some good news to bring it back up."' _next>> <<set $text = `"Even if it's normal, I don't like it!" Your father growls, then gulps down his third — no, fourth — glass of scotch so far.`>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"It\'s okay, Father. The news of my deal with the Tokyo partners will bring the stocks back up."' _next `($newz eq 2)`>> <<set $text = `"Deal with the Tokyo partners? Is it for the family?" Your Father frowns. "All I can say is, it will be some good news." "Good news is what we need. Just wait after the funeral and make sure the tabloids get wind of that deal," your father nods, then gulps down his third — no, fourth — glass of scotch so far.`>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Shit! If my DUI makes the news, it might bring the stock down even more."' _next `($newz eq 1)`>> <<set $text = `"For fuck's sake, $namemc! We have several drivers! Just use them! The minute the tabloids get wind of this, the stocks will tank!" Your father growls, then gulps down his third — no, fourth — glass of scotch so far.`>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I was partying hardcore when I got the news of Grandpa\'s death. If the tabloids get a hold of that, will it hurt the stocks?"' _next ` ($newz eq 0)`>> <<set $text = `"For fuck's sake, $namemc! Whatever shit you did better not surface! I'm sure the tabloids are just waiting to get some dirt on us!" Your father growls, then gulps down his third — no, fourth — glass of scotch so far. "There's no reason to think that anything will come out," you say. The hyena laugh of Tess echoes in the green room. "Right, I'm ready to bet my inheritance that you did some shit at those parties." "Enough!" Your father growls again. "Just... whatever it is, keep it quiet."`>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Those Tabloid reporters are like sharks, and our family losing money is the smell of blood."' _next>> <<fairmath "$dad_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$dad_rel" 5>> <<set $text = `"That's why I hate the Tabloids. Always putting their nose where it doesn't belong!" Your father growls, then gulps down his third — no, fourth — glass of scotch so far.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I keep quiet." _next>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> $leon $surnamemc is the firstborn of Grandpa $henry, and with the death of the patriarch, he is supposed to take over the familly business and continue to grow the fortune. Your uncle Robert never really had an eye for business. He is more... laid back. His favorite thing to do is traveling the world and collecting rare artifacts. Nevertheless, he is expected to attend Grandpa's funeral today. "And where the hell is your brother?" Your father asks. Then, the front door of the green room opens to the sight of your uncle Rob and your aunt Mira. [[Next|prologue19]]

"Hello, family! Are we already jumping at each other's throats?" Uncle Rob says. "How classic!" Your father points a finger at him, but you watch him swallow the rest of his words as his gaze crosses paths with Aunt Mira's. What was that? It almost felt like a silent order from Aunt Mira, telling your father to stay quiet. Did your mother catch that? No, obviously not. She is half passed out in the armchair. "Come on, $leon. Chill, breathe, we are already burying Dad today, I don't want to bury you too, big brother," your uncle Rob giggles like a toddler. Again, your father glances over at aunt Mira, who has taken a seat next to your sleeping mother. After another silent exchange, your father decides not to respond to his brother's remark. <<set _next = "prologue20">> <<choice_shown "Hmmm... interesting." _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Please, lord, no! No! No!" _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "If that's what I think it is... eww!" _next>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Oh hell no, Father! That's your brother's wife!" _next>> <</choice_shown>>

For one second there you thought you were thinking out loud. But no, those thoughts are safe in your head. Aunt Mira is what some would call a healing guru. She has dark-brown skin with dreadlocs, and a nice face that doesn't give away her age. She does yoga, long hours of meditation, and recites mantras for compassion and healing. In short, she is a sweet woman who prays for peace on earth, global happiness, and rainbows. Yet, she doesn't give any of her money to charity. [[Next|prologue21]]

<<if $tribe1>> "How was your trip to the reservation of the $contry_origin tribe, <<else>> "How was your trip to $contry_origin, <</if>> Father?" Dominic asks. "Fulfilling and amazing!" Uncle Rob beams. "Your mother and I had the best time. There's nothing more satisfying than going back to one's roots. You kids should try it some time." "We would if we weren't so busy," Dominik replies, "Dom and I are trying to launch our own tech company. There are still spots open for new investors if you want to hop on the train of the future." "Launching a tech company, huh? How much is the return on investment?" Your father asks. "Return on what?" Dominic repeats as if $leon is speaking gibberish. "Oh... we don't have all the numbers yet, but tech is the future. So... wanna invest?" Dominik explains for his borther. "Nice save, Dom! No wonder people think you're the smart twin," Tess chuckles. [[Next|prologue22]]

"Investing? Of course, yes! What kind of father would I be if I didn't support my own children? Put me down for 100 million," Uncle Rob grins. "I don't know, Robert. We should really be careful with our money right now. Haven't you seen how the stock market is doing?" Your father adds. "Those up-and-down-red-and-green arrows never really made sense to me. Besides, what is life without a little bit of risk," Uncle Rob laughs. "Seriously, Father? You're going to invest 100 million in the tech idea of these two dummies?" Tess spits out. "Tessandra!" Aunt Mira finally speaks, "They are your brothers, please don't use such words when talking about them." <<set _next = "prologue23">> <<choice_shown '"I kind of agree with Tess on this one. This is ridiculous."' _next>> <<set $text = `You comment elicits a murderous look from the cheap version of Justin Bieber — also known as your cousin Dominik. "What would you know about tech investment? You're way too old anyway for that conversation." Sheesh! The twins are five years younger than you, but you wouldn't call yourself old. "No need to argue, children. I will invest anyway. I think it's time we have a little family side business," Uncle Rob grins. "Fine, I'm in for 10 mil. I would have invested more but I want to be cautious," your father says while pulling on his tie.`>> <<fairmath "$domc_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$domc_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$domk_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$domk_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_enabled '"Tech is the future you say... What percentage of the shares will 50 million get me?"' _next `($newz neq 2)`>> <<set $text = `The cheap version of Justin Bieber — also known as your cousin Dominik — gives you his brightest smile. "Around 10%. Dom and I will own the majority with 30% each, and we would sell the remaining 40%." "Okay, count me in for 50 mil," you say. Dominik nods before he adds, "You know, I almost thought you are too old to understand the tech lingo, but I'm glad you can recognize change when you see it." Sheesh! The twins are five years younger than you, but you wouldn't call yourself old. "Well, I guess with my 100 mil I'll get 20%. I think it's great that we have a little family side business," Uncle Rob grins. "Fine, I'm in for 10 mil. I don't really care about the shares, I just want returns. I would have invested more but I want to be cautious," your father says while pulling on his tie.`>> <<set $money1 -= 50>> <<set $money3 += 50>> <<set $money2 += 50>> <<set $ass2 = "10% shares of the tech company The $surnamemc" + "-verse">> <<set $priceass2 = "worth 50 million">> <<fairmath "$domc_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$domc_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$domk_trust" 5>> <<fairmath "$domk_rel" 5>> <<set $cuz_vest = true>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"Well, too much risks can also ruin one\'s life. I say don\'t invest your money in that idea, Uncle Rob."' _next>> <<fairmath "$domc_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$domc_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$domk_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$domk_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$unc_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$unc_rel" -5>> <<set $text = `You comment elicits a murderous look from the cheap version of Justin Bieber — also known as your cousin Dominik. "What would you know about tech investment? You're way too old anyway for that conversation." Sheesh! The twins are five years younger than you, but you wouldn't call yourself old. "No need to argue, children. I will invest anyway. I think it's time we have a little family side business," Uncle Rob grins. "Fine, I'm in for 10 mil. I would have invested more but I want to be cautious," your father says while pulling on his tie.`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I stay out of that discussion. It's their money, after all." _next>> <<set $text = `You remain quiet and continue to listen as your uncle Rob chimes in, "No need to argue, children. I will invest anyway. I think it's time we have a little family side business." The cheap version of Justin Bieber — also known as your cousin Dominik — flips Tess off to let her know that he has won. Although the twins are five years younger than you, they are the ones who look old. "Fine, I'm in for 10 mil. I would have invested more but I want to be cautious," your father says while pulling on his tie.`>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> "You're a bunch of idiots," Tess sneers. "Did it ever occur to you to ask for the name of that tech company?" You can see Dominik shift his weight from one leg to another as he listens to his sister. "That's right!" Tess continues, "The company name is 'The $surnamemc-verse!'" "Oh, for fuck's sake! What kind of name is that?" Your father curses while running a hand over his shaved jawline. "Boys? Don't make me regret this!" Just then, the door of the green room opens, and in walks Aunt Florence. [[Next|prologue24]]

Aunt Florence enters the room while avoiding eye contact with the rest of you. Dressed in all black, including the hat and veil, she finds the furthest chair from everyone else to sit in. Aunt Flo never married and never had any children. She dedicated her life to helping the poor and the unfortunates. She has many charity organizations under her name, and she never fails to make donations to whoever seeks her help. Her eyes meet yours as she adjusts herself in the seat and: <<set _next = "bodyguard">> <<choice_shown "I give her a silent nod. If anyone can relate to how I feel about this family, it's Aunt Flo." _next>> <<set $text = `Aunt Flo silently nods back. The conversation in the room continues as if she isn't here. The others can ignore her all they want, but you will always smile at your aunt and care about her. It's strange how your bond with her is stronger than the barely existing one you have with your mother.`>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I smile at her. I'm the only one she is close to in this family." _next>> <<set $text = `Aunt Flo returns a faint smile. The conversation in the room continues as if she isn't here. The others can ignore her all they want, but you will always smile at your aunt and care about her. It's strange how your bond with her is stronger than the barely existing one you have with your mother.`>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I ignore her. She barely said a word when she walked in anyway." _next>> <<set $text = `The conversation in the room continues as if no one cares about her presence. You ignore her like everyone else has done. The word "close-knit" does not describe this family. It's even worse when you can't consider your mother nor your aunt as people close to you.`>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I roll my eyes at her. She is just another $surnamemc." _next>> <<set $text = `The conversation in the room continues as if she isn't here. Why would anyone care? She is just another $surnamemc. The word "close-knit" does not describe this family. It's even worse when you can't consider your mother nor your aunt as people close to you.`>> <<fairmath "$flo_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$flo_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> Your phone starts to buzz in your pocket, and you pull it out to read a text message from your bodyguard/PI/assistant: <<set _next = "prologue25">> <<choice_shown "Kev. That's not his real name, but he always jokes about being the Kevin Costner to my Whitney Houston." _next>> <<set $bod_name = "Kev">> <<set $bod1 = 1>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Keavy. That's not her real name, but she always jokes about being the Kevin Costner to my Whitney Houston." _next>> <<set $bod_name = "Keavy">> <<set $bod1 = 2>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Keev (Non-binary masc.). That's not their real name, but they always joke about being the Kevin Costner to my Whitney Houston." _next>> <<set $bod_name = "Keev">> <<set $pron1 = true>> <<set $bod1 = 1>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Keev (Non-binary fem.). That's not their real name, but they always joke about being the Kevin Costner to my Whitney Houston." _next>> <<set $bod_name = "Keev">> <<set $pron1 = true>> <<set $bod1 = 2>> <</choice_shown>>

Message from $bod_name: Hey, Boss. How's the funeral going? <<if $newz eq 0>> I will be there in a couple of hours, still trying to set up the next party for you. We have Paris, Thailand, or Hawaii. Any favorites? <<elseif $newz eq 2>> The deal with Tokyo is a go. Takuya Ono will make the big announcement in the coming days, and I can already see the $$$ signs. Great Job! I will be there in a couple of hours, hang in there. <<else>> A little bit of bad news, the tabloids got a hold of your DUI arrest. I'm still trying to make it go away, but just a heads up. Anyway, I will be there in a couple of hours, hang in there. <</if>> Your fingers slide over the screen as you type: <<set _next = "prologue26", _deal = "deal12">> <<choice_shown "Hawaii sounds nice." _next `($newz eq 0)`>> <<set $text = "Great! Hawaii it is. See you soon.">> <<set $party = "Hawaii">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Paris, definitely." _next `($newz eq 0)`>> <<set $text = "Great! Paris it is. See you soon.">> <<set $party1 = "Paris">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Thailand, I'm craving some Khao Soi." _next `($newz eq 0)`>> <<set $party = "Thailand">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <<set $text = "Great! Thailand it is. See you soon.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Hawaii, and don't mess it up." _next `($newz eq 0)`>> <<set $text = "When have I ever messed up one of your parties? Anyway, Hawaii it is. I'll see you in a bit.">> <<set $party = "Hawaii">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Paris, and don't mess it up." _next `($newz eq 0)`>> <<set $text = "When have I ever messed up one of your parties? Anyway, Paris it is. I'll see you in a bit.">> <<set $party = "Paris">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Thailand, and don't mess it up." _next `($newz eq 0)`>> <<set $party = "Thailand">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" -5>> <<set $text = "When have I ever messed up one of your parties? Anyway, Thailand it is. I'll see you in a bit.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "How the hell did that happened? Why am I paying you again?" _next `($newz eq 1)`>> <<set $text = "One of the reporters at 'The Daily News' paid the cop who arrested you a good chunk of money to get the report, that's how it happened. You're paying me to make shit like this go away, and like I said, I'm still working on it.">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Shit! Father is not going to like this." _next `($newz eq 1)`>> <<set $text = "Yep! I can already hear him cursing the devil. Anyway, I'm still working on it. See you soon.">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Oh well! It was bound to happen." _next `($newz eq 1)`>> <<set $text = "It's not a definite yet. I'm still working on it to see if I can make it go away. Anyway, see you soon.">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Awesome! That news will bring the stocks back up." _deal `($newz eq 2)`>> <<set $text = "Always here to please! Anyway, will see you soon.">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "I'm the best, what can I say?" _deal `($newz eq 2)`>> <<set $text = "Yep! You're the G.O.A.T, Boss, and I love working for you! Anyway, will see you soon.">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Now my brother will have to admit that he is not the only one who has a flair for making great deals." _deal `($newz eq 2)`>> <<set $text = "I can't wait to see his face when he finds out. That's going to be fun! Anyway, will see you soon.">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Good. I was scared for a second that you would fuck up the last details of the deal." _deal `($newz eq 2)`>> <<set $text = "I guess I still know how to do my job. Anyway, will be at the estate soon.">> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> You've kept the deal in Tokyo quiet, because until now, you were unsure if it was going to go through. It had only cost you 100 mil to partner-up with a company that will be worth 500 mil — once the IPO is launched. For the past months, you've been hard at work trying to set up a business of your own: <<set _next = "companyname">> <<choice_shown "A tech company. Now the twins are going to think that I stole their idea." _next>> <<set $field1 = "tech">> <<set $money1 -= 100>> <<set $money3 += 100>> <<set $money2 += 500>> <<set $priceass2 = "worth 500 million">> <<fairmath "$domc_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$domc_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$domk_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$domk_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "A social media company." _next>> <<set $field1 = "social media">> <<set $money1 -= 100>> <<set $money3 += 100>> <<set $money2 += 500>> <<set $priceass2 = "worth 500 million">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "A company behind the creation of a robot that can assist doctors during surgeries." _next>> <<set $field1 = "robotics">> <<set $money1 -= 100>> <<set $money3 += 100>> <<set $money2 += 500>> <<set $priceass2 = "worth 500 million">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "An online gaming company." _next>> <<set $field1 = "gaming">> <<set $money1 -= 100>> <<set $money3 += 100>> <<set $money2 += 500>> <<set $priceass2 = "worth 500 million">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "A fashion company." _next>> <<set $field1 = "fashion">> <<set $money1 -= 100>> <<set $money3 += 100>> <<set $money2 += 500>> <<set $priceass2 = "worth 500 million">> <</choice_shown>>

A company named: Note: Don't use the same name as your cousins' to avoid confusion when their company is mentioned in the story. <<set _next = "companynamecheck">> <<choice_shown "Fashion Novae." _next>> <<set $mc_comp = "Fashion Novae">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Holsted Games." _next>> <<set $mc_comp = "Holsted Games">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Farcebook." _next>> <<set $mc_comp = "Farcebook">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Edison." _next>> <<set $mc_comp = "Edison">> <</choice_shown>> Input your own: <<textbox "$mc_comp" "">><<link "Okay" _next>><</link>>

<<if $mc_comp>> <<capfirst "$mc_comp">> Your company is called $mc_comp, is that right? <<else>> <<switch $field1>> <<case "fashion">> <<set $mc_comp = "Fashion Novae">> <<case "social media">> <<set $mc_comp = "Farcebook">> <<case "gaming">> <<set $mc_comp = "Holsted Games">> <<default>> <<set $mc_comp = "Edison">> <</switch>> You didn't name your company, so is it all right to assume it is called $mc_comp? <</if>> <<set $ass2 = "50% shares of a $field1 company named $mc_comp">> [[Yes.|prologue26]] <<back "No, I want to change it.">>

<<text>> Once you're done reading $bod_name's reply, you put your phone back into your pocket. You trust $bod_name with your life and ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "know">> everything about you and your family. Sometimes you wonder if being that close is the reason behind: <<set _next = "prologue27">> <<choice_shown "That one night stand we had ages ago. I wouldn't mind doing it again if the occasion presents itself. ❤" _next>> <<set $hookup = true>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<set _text = "Those awkward looks ?bodhe_she " + setup.pverb($pron1, "give") + " me every once in a while as if ?bodhe_she " + setup.pverb($pron1, "want") + " something more. ❤">> <<choice_shown _text _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "?Bodhim_her being so protective of me. Well, it's ?bodhis_her job after all." _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Our friendship, which continues to grow day after day." _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Me getting away with how bad I treat ?bodhim_her as my employee." _next>> <<fairmath "$bod_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

"No $bod_name? I know that ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "are">> always stuck to you like your shadow," Tess says over your shoulder. You turn around to see her eying you like a predator hunting her prey. When the hell did she walk over? Did she see $bod_name's message? <<set _next = "prologue28">> <<set _text = '"?Bodhe_she ' + setup.pverb($pron1, "are") + ' mine. Hands off, cousin!" ❤'>> <<choice_shown _text _next>> <<set $text = "Before Tess can reply, the door of the green room opens to the sight of your older brother.">> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<set _text = '"?Bodhe_she ' + setup.pverb($pron1, "are") + ' where ?bodhe_she ' + setup.pverb($pron1, "are") + ' supposed to be, and will be with me soon." ❤'>> <<choice_shown _text _next>> <<set $text = "Before Tess can reply, the door of the green room opens to the sight of your older brother.">> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" -5>> <<fairmath "$bod_rom" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<set _text = '"Oh... ?bodhe_she ' + setup.pverb($pron1, "are") + ', you know... running some errands."'>> <<choice_shown _text _next>> <<set $text = "Before Tess can add anything, the door of the green room opens to the sight of your older brother.">> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Why? Are you interested in ?bodhim_her? I can put in a good word for you, couz."' _next>> <<set $text = `Tess waves a hand. "Sorry, leather jacket and lost puppy face are not my thing." Before you can reply, the door of the green room opens to the sight of your older brother.`>> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" 5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" 5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"$bod_name\'s location is none of your business, Tess."' _next>> <<set $text = "Before Tess can reply, the door of the green room opens to the sight of your older brother.">> <<fairmath "$tess_rel" -5>> <<fairmath "$tess_trust" -5>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> Benny has arrived! "All is well, family! I'm here. Everything will be alright!" Benny says while swinging his arms wide open, as if he is trying to calm an agitated crowd. "Finally!" Your father says, "You're late! But most importantly, have you seen the stocks?" "No worries, Father. Everything will be alright! I got it under control," Benny adds. "What's that even supposed to mean you have it under control?" Tess asks as she downs the last of her drink. Benny smirks. "It means that I'm the only one in this family with the financial knowledge to talk to our shareholders, calm them down, so that our stocks can go back up again." A smile creases your face: <<set _next = "prologue29">> <<set $text = `Benny gives you a side-eye. "$namemc? Don't even start with me right now." Tess chuckles. "But $namemc is right, though."`>> <<choice_shown '"Keep telling yourself that... If that\'s what helps you sleep at night."' _next>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Please, Benny. Spare us your egotistical ramblings."' _next>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" -5>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_enabled '"No, you\'re not. I\'m also qualified to talk to the shareholders."' _next `($nik eq "smar") or ($newz eq 2)`>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" -5>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown '"I\'m happy you know your way around talking to the shareholders, because I wouldn\'t know where to start."' _next>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" 5>> <<set $text = `Benny pulls on the vest of his suit and nods. "That's why I'm the beloved son, $namemc." Tess rolls her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "But you keep quiet." _next>> <<fairmath "$bro_rel" 5>> <<set $text = `Benny pulls on the vest of his suit and nods. "Everything will be alright." Tess rolls her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."`>> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> Completely ignoring you, your father walks over to Benny to pat his back. "Son, whatever is going on with the stock... Take care of it. Just... take care of it, because I can't be losing money right now!" Benny gives his father his brightest smile, and for a second, it feels like they are the only people in the room. Seeing them all lovey-dovey immediately triggers a memory about your father's birthday party two years ago, which was celebrated in this very mansion. <<set _next = "prologue_end", _mem = "memori3">> <<choice_enabled "I relive the memories of that night. 🔑" _mem `($keyz gt 0)`>> <<set $keyz -= 1>> <</choice_enabled>> <<choice_shown "I shrug off the mere idea of reliving the memories of that night." _next>> <<set $text = "You quickly shrug off the mere idea of reliving the memories of that night. Your father was drunk, your mother was drunk, and even Benny was drunk that night. There's no need to reminisce about such a night, so you shake your head as you look at the two of them in front of you.">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "It's futile to remember anything from that night." _next>> <<set $text = "It's futile to put yourself through the pain of remembering anything from that night. Your father was drunk, your mother was drunk, and even Benny was drunk that night. You shake your head as you look at the two of them in front of you.">> <</choice_shown>>

<<text>> The bonding time between father and son is interrupted when the door of the green room opens, only for André the butler to make his announcement. <<if $gender eq "non-binary">> "Ladies, gentlemen, and gentlepersons, the guests are ready for you." <<else>> "Ladies and gentlemen, the guests are ready for you." <</if>> <<link "End of Prologue" "chapter1">><</link>>

That Night In Your Bedroom... The door of your bedroom barely closes before $bod_name and you start to kiss each other like two lovers who just got reunited after years of separation. While ?bodhis_her lips is still locked onto yours, ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "find">> the time to wiggle out of ?bodhis_her jacket, letting it fall to the floor. <<if $newz eq 2>> "I thought you were going to work tonight," <<else>> "Do you really want me?" <</if>> $bod_name breaks the kiss to rest ?bodhis_her forehead against yours. <<choice_shown '"I was... but I can\'t work when my needs are not met."' "c1_sexit_work_needs" `($newz eq 2)`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"How am I supposed to work when all I can think about is you being naked in my bed."' "c1_sexit_work_naked" `($newz eq 2)`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Being with you right now is exactly the kind of work I had in mind."' "c1_sexit_work_you" `($newz eq 2)`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Are you saying that you want us to stop?"' "c1_sexit_work_stop" `($newz eq 2)`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"You just want me to repeat myself, don\'t you? Yes, I want you."' "c1_sexit_repeat" `($newz neq 2)`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Not only do I want you, I also want you naked in my bed."' "c1_sexit_naked" `($newz neq 2)`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Only if you want me too."' "c1_sexit_too" `($newz neq 2)`>> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Are you asking because you want us to stop?"' "c1_sexit_stop" `($newz neq 2)`>> <</choice_shown>>

"I was... but I can't work when my needs are not met." $bod_name cups your face with ?bodhis_her hands and loses ?bodhimself_herself in your eyes. "You know exactly what to say to turn me on." <<include "c1_sexit2">>

"How am I supposed to work when all I can think about is you being naked in my bed." $bod_name cups your face with ?bodhis_her hands and loses ?bodhimself_herself in your eyes. "And how am I supposed to resist you when you say things like that?" <<include "c1_sexit2">>

"Being with you right now is exactly the kind of work I had in mind." $bod_name cups your face with ?bodhis_her hands and loses ?bodhimself_herself in your eyes. "Then what are you waiting for? Get to work." <<include "c1_sexit2">>

"Are you saying that you want us to stop?" $bod_name cups your face with ?bodhis_her hands and loses ?bodhimself_herself in your eyes. "You're not stopping until <<if $bod1 eq 1>> you're done with me. <<else>> you have your way with me. <</if>> I'm yours tonight to do whatever you wish to do." <<include "c1_sexit2">>

"You just want me to repeat myself, don't you? Yes, I want you." $bod_name cups your face with ?bodhis_her hands and loses ?bodhimself_herself in your eyes. "Or maybe I just want you to boss me around." <<include "c1_sexit2">>

"Not only I want you, I also want you naked in my bed." $bod_name cups your face with ?bodhis_her hands and loses ?bodhimself_herself in your eyes. "Then what are you waiting for? Start undressing me." <<include "c1_sexit2">>

"Only if you want me too." $bod_name cups your face with ?bodhis_her hands and loses ?bodhimself_herself in your eyes. "All I want is you." <<include "c1_sexit2">>

"Are you asking because you want us to stop?" $bod_name cups your face with ?bodhis_her hands and loses ?bodhimself_herself in your eyes. "You're not stopping until <<if $bod1 eq 1>> you're done with me. <<else>> you have your way with me. <</if>> I'm yours tonight to do whatever you wish to do." <<include "c1_sexit2">>

?Bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "kiss">> you again while walking you backward. Near the bed, you two break apart long enough to help ?bodhim_her out of ?bodhis_her t-shirt. As the piece of clothe hits the floor, you take your time to caress <<if $bod1 eq 1>> ?bodhis_her bare chest. <<else>> the thin lace of ?bodhis_her bra. <</if>> This quivering ?bodgend under your touch is your bodyguard by day and your lover by night. And right now, there is only one thing on your mind: <<choice_shown '"Get on your knees."' "c1_sexit2_knee">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"I want you to make love to me like it\'s the first time."' "c1_sexit2_first">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Let me show you how bad I want you."' "c1_sexit2_bad">> <</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown '"Tonight... I don\'t want you to hold back."' "c1_sexit2_back">> <</choice_shown>>

$bod_name obeys and falls to ?bodhis_her knees while keeping ?bodhis_her eyes on you. A smile creases on your face as you bring a hand over ?bodhis_her cheek to caress it. "I like it when you do what I ask," you smile at ?bodhim_her. $bod_name nods and watches you get rid of your clothes before you return to your position in front of ?bodhim_her. With your fingers sliding through ?bodhis_her short hair, you guide ?bodhis_her head, and soon, your loud moans fill the dim bedroom. [[Next|c1_bod5]]

$bod_name grazes your lips with another kiss before helping you out of your clothes. "Our first time was wonderful, but you also had very little clothes on." You can't help but moan while ?bodhis_her hands caress your bare skin as ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "take">> off your last piece of clothing. But $bod_name keeps ?bodhis_her eyes on you, as if not wanting to miss a thing. "You were also very wet," $bod_name smiles. "Wet?" You chuckle. $bod_name gets even closer to you, then hugs you tightly. "You know what I mean. You were wet because of the pool water." Yes, you know exactly what ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "mean">>, because the first time the two of you made love, it was in your heated pool. But tonight, you'll switch the pool for the comfort of your bed, and you can't wait for your loud moans to fill the dim bedroom. [[Next|c1_bod5]]

$bod_name walks with you to the other side of the bed where you gently push ?bodhim_her, enough for ?bodhim_her to fall flat onto ?bodhis_her back. First, you pull off ?bodhis_her jeans and throw them to a corner of the room. Next, you undress yourself while ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "keep">> ?bodhis_her eyes on you, as if not wanting to miss a thing. "You like that, don't you?" You smile at ?bodhim_her. "Yes..." ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "whisper">>, "I love everything about you." You feel the same, and that's why you quickly join ?bodhim_her on the bed. The two of you kiss and dance to a silent music until the dim bedroom is filled with nothing but your loud moans. [[Next|c1_bod5]]

"Good," $bod_name grazes your lips with another kiss before helping you out of your clothes. "I think you have too many clothes on for what I plan to do to you." You can't help but moan while ?bodhis_her hands caress your bare skin as ?bodhe_she <<pverb $pron1 "take">> off your last piece of clothing. But $bod_name keeps ?bodhis_her eyes on you, as if not wanting to miss a thing. "Are you sure you want this?" $bod_name asks, getting even closer to hug you tightly. "Yes," you nod. The next thing you feel is ?bodhis_her hand finding that sensitive spot hidden below your underwear. You immediately close your eyes and give in to ?bodhis_her caresses... until your loud moans fill the dim bedroom. [[Next|c1_bod5]]

<<set $autosavename = "Preamble">> <<image "sum.png" "Welcome to Insert-Rich-Family-Name">> They say you can't choose your family, but in this game, you can choose who you want to be when you're around them. Will you play as a billionaire, lavishly spending your money on frivolous things and making poor life decisions? Or will you start planning for the future and investing your wealth wisely? The people you meet along the way will be influenced by the choices you make and how you behave. Will you treat them with kindness and respect, or will you be a spoiled rich brat who bows to no one? Family can be a complicated matter, and you'll have to decide where your loyalties lie. Will you proudly stand by your family and support them regardless of their actions, or will you engage in some sibling competition and backstab whoever stands in your way? It's up to you to decide as you dive into a world where every choice you make counts. <<choice_shown "Read the summary." "summary">><</choice_shown>> <<choice_shown "Content Warning." "contentwarning">><</choice_shown>>

After the funeral of your grandfather at the old family estate, the lawyer reads the last will and testament for everyone to find out if they are getting an inheritance. Except, your grandfather was known to be an eccentric old man with a strange sense of humor, and what is supposed to be a short family gathering and last goodbye to the patriarch quickly changes into a catfight for money among the surviving offsprings. The cherry on top is that the will of your grandfather has a stipulation to the right of inheritance: identify a killer among the living family members. [[Next|summary2]]

What will you do to get your inheritance? Will you spy on your family members and bring out the skeletons hidden in the closet? Or will you keep it in the family, brush everything under the Persian rug to protect the legacy? Who is the killer? Your cold and sarcastic cousin Tess, or one of her twin brothers? Maybe it's uncle Rob who always seems too happy no matter what the situation he's in? Could it be your aunt Florence who is quiet, reserved, and cares only about her charity organizations? Better yet, is it your older brother who is also known as the family beloved? Well... at least it's not the butler! Clutch your pearls, flaunt your diamonds, be wary of the sharp knives, and watch out for the blood stains. Let's not forget that you can romance your bodyguard, the family lawyer, the Detective, and of course... a secret love interest (same gender as the family lawyer). [[Proceed To The Game|relativenames]]

Content Warning: Strong language, mention of alcohol, drugs, and death. 🔑 the key emoji means that you need keys to unlock memories that are crucial to solving the mystery. You can collect keys throughout the story by interacting with the characters. ❤ the heart emoji builds romance points with a character. 🔥 the fire emoji leads to fade to black sexual encounter. [[Happy hunting!|relativenames]]

Note: In this story you have a big family and the names of some of the relatives will be repeated often. You will soon get the option to choose a last name, but for now... Set my grandfather's name as <<textbox "$henry" "Henry">> Set my father's name as <<textbox "$leon" "Leon">> Set my mother's name as <<textbox "$esther" "Esther">> [[Prologue|prologue]]

<<if $achieved>><<set _n = Object.keys($achieved).length>> <<else>><<set _n = 0>> <</if>> <<if setup.achievements>> <<set _total = Object.keys(setup.achievements).length>> <<else>><<set _total = 0>> <</if>> You have unlocked _n of _total possible achievements. <<if setup.achievements>> <<for _i, _a range setup.achievements>> <<if $achieved>><<set _unlocked = $achieved.hasOwnProperty(_i)>> <<else>><<set _unlocked = false>> <</if>> <<if _unlocked>> <<else>> <</if>> <<if _a['visible'] or _unlocked>> <<= _a['title']>>: <<if _unlocked>><<= _a['post']>> <<else>><<= _a['pre']>> <</if>> (<<= _a['points']>> pts) <<else>>? <</if>> <</for>> <</if>>

/* usage: <<achieve "achievementid">> */ <<widget "achieve">> <<set _id = _args[0]>> <<set _title = setup.getAchievementTitle(_id)>> <<set _alert = setup.getAchievementAlert(_id)>> /* use square bracket to force object key interpretation */ /* don't use persistent storage for achievements; always starts from 0 unlocked per play-through */ <<if $achieved === undefined>> <<set $achieved = {}>> <</if>> <<set $achieved[_id] = true>> <<notify>> Achievement: _title <hr> _alert <</notify>> <</widget>> /* set up potential achievements */ <<widget "achievement">> <<set _id = _args[0]>> <<set _visible = _args[1]>> <<set _points = _args[2]>> <<set _title = _args[3]>> <<set _pre = _args[4]>> <<set _post = _args[5]>> <<if _args.length eq 6>> <<if setup.achievements === undefined>> <<set setup.achievements = {}>> <</if>> <<set _obj = { 'id': _id, 'visible': _visible, 'points': _points, 'title': _title, 'pre': _pre, 'post': _post}>> <<set setup.achievements[_id] = _obj>> <</if>> <</widget>>

[[Twine by Chris Klimas|https://twinery.org]] [[Sugarcube 2 by Thomas Michael Edwards|https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2]] [[macros by Chapel|https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2]] [[macros by CyrusFirheir|https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros]] [[User Interface Template by A.W. Morgan|https://awmorgan.itch.io/twine-sugarcube-template]] [[code adaptation by brushmen|https://brushmen.itch.io]] [[OpenDyslexic Font by Abbie Gonzalez|https://opendyslexic.org]] [[A Dripping Marker Font by wickhop|https://www.fontspace.com/a-dripping-marker-font-f11043]] [[Linear Icons by Perxis|https://linearicons.com/free]]

Insert-Rich-Family-Name DEMO

C.C. Hill

<<set $namemc = "">> <<set $surnamemc = "">> <<set $gender = "">> <<set $pronou = "">> <<set $mx = "">> <<set $rainb = false>> /% lgbt %/ <<set $contry_origin = "">> <<set $tribe1 = false>> /% look %/ <<set $dread1 = false>> <<set $dreada = "">> <<set $eye1 = false>> <<set $Eyes = "">> <<set $Skintone = "">> <<set $skin0 = false>> <<set $skin1 = "">> <<set $type = "">> <<set $Haircolor = "">> <<set $bal2 = 0>> /% baldness %/ <<set $styl = " ">> <<set $red = "red like ruby">> /% used for Vera intro %/ /% personality %/ <<set $brat1 = 50>> <<set $kind1 = 50>> <<set $self1 = 50>> <<set $nik = " ">> /% memories %/ <<set $mem1 = " ">> <<set $mem2 = " ">> <<set $mem3 = " ">> <<set $mem4 = " ">> <<set $mem5 = " ">> <<set $keyz = 2>> /% wealth %/ <<set $ass1 = "">> <<set $ass2 = "">> <<set $ass3 = "">> <<set $ass4 = "">> <<set $ass5 = "">> <<set $ass6 = "">> <<set $money1 = 1000>> <<set $money2 = 0>> <<set $money3 = 0>> <<set $bil1 = ",000,000">> <<set $bil2 = ",000,000">> <<set $bil3 = ",000,000">> <<set $money4 = 0>> <<set $bil4 = ",000,000">> <<set $money5 = 0>> <<set $bil5 = ",000,000">> <<set $moneyd = 0>> <<set $bild = ",000,000">> <<set $mc_comp = "">> <<set $field1 = "">> <<set $money_from = "">> <<set $lawetic = false>> <<set $law_romblock = false>> <<set $pron1 = false>> /% K's pronoun plurality %/ <<set $bod1 = 0>> /% K's body type %/ <<set $kevbrois = "">> /% plot choices %/ <<set $party1 = " ">> <<set $newz = 0>> <<set $donatio = 0>> <<set $action1 = "">> <<set $goat = false>> <<set $nig1 = "">> <<set $ro1 = "Unknown">> <<set $lawkiss = false>> <<set $cuz_vest = false>> <<set $dine1 = false>> <<set $beliv1 = false>> <<set $telllaw = false>> /% needed %/ <<set $turn1 = false>> <<set $jok = 1>> /% Flo's cookies in mem %/ <<set $ez_p = 0>> <<set $dress1 = 1>> <<set $drink = false>> <<set $hookup = false>> <<set $hookup2 = false>> <<set $bob1 = false>> /% sec flirt scene %/ <<set $interview = false>> /% reused variables %/ <<set $var1 = "">> <<set $var2 = "">> <<set $var3 = "">> <<set $r1 = "">> <<set $q1 = "">> <<set $w1 = "">> <<set $statf = false>> <<set $statb = false>> <<set $statt = false>> <<set $stataf = false>> <<set $statur = false>> <<set $statdc = false>> <<set $statdk = false>> <<set $statam = false>> <<set $statm = false>> <<set $evi = " ">> <<set $evi2 = "">> <<set $tabloidt = " ">> <<set $cost11 = 0>> <<set $bil11 = ",000,000">> <<set $henry = "Henry">> <<set $leon = "Leon">> <<set $esther = "Esther">> <<set $mom_ney = "">> <<set $dad_ney = "">> <<set $bro_ney = "">> <<set $bro_money = false>> <<set $fa_money = false>> <<set $ben_hate = false>> <<set $mom_rel = 50>> <<set $mom_trust = 50>> <<set $dad_rel = 50>> <<set $dad_trust = 50>> <<set $bro_rel = 50>> <<set $bro_trust = 50>> <<set $unc_rel = 50>> <<set $unc_trust = 50>> <<set $aunt_rel = 50>> <<set $aunt_trust = 50>> <<set $flo_rel = 50>> <<set $flo_trust = 50>> <<set $tess_rel = 50>> <<set $tess_trust = 50>> <<set $domk_rel = 50>> <<set $domk_trust = 50>> <<set $domc_rel = 50>> <<set $domc_trust = 50>> /% ROs %/ <<set $det_pname = "">> <<set $law_name = "">> <<set $bod_name = "">> <<set $sec_name = "">> <<set $sec_rom = 0>> <<set $sec_rel = 0>> <<set $sec_trust = 0>> <<set $but_rel = 50>> <<set $but_trust = 50>> <<set $det_rel = 50>> <<set $det_trust = 50>> <<set $law_rel = 50>> <<set $law_trust = 50>> <<set $bod_rel = 50>> <<set $bod_trust = 50>> <<set $det_rom = 0>> <<set $bod_rom = 0>> <<set $law_rom = 0>> <<set $susfg = "">> <<set $susft = "">> <<set $susftus = "">> <<set $susafg = "">> <<set $susaft = "">> <<set $susaftus = "">> <<set $sustg = "">> <<set $sustt = "">> <<set $susttus = "">> <<set $susurg = "">> <<set $susurt = "">> <<set $susurtus = "">> <<set $susbg = "">> <<set $susbt = "">> <<set $susbtus = "">> <<set $susmg = "">> <<set $susmt = "">> <<set $susmtus = "">> <<set $susamtus = "">> <<set $susdktus = "">> <<set $susdctus = "">> <<set $susdomg = "">> <<set $susdomt = "">> <<set $sus0 = "">> <<set $klu1 = false>> <<set $klu11 = " ">> <<set $klu2 = false>> <<set $klu22 = " ">> <<set $klu3 = false>> <<set $klu33 = " ">> <<set $klu4 = false>> <<set $klu44 = " ">> <<set $klu5 = false>> <<set $klu55 = " ">> <<set $all_ku = 0>> <<set $priceass1 = "">> <<set $priceass2 = "">> <<set $priceass3 = "">> <<set $priceass4 = "">> <<set $priceass5 = "">> <<set $priceass6 = "">> <<set $autosavename = "">> /% used in config.js %/ <<set $pronounplural = false>> /% used in pronouns.js and templates.js %/ <<set $text = "">> /% used in <<text>> widget %/ <<achievement "ke2" true 10 "Key To The Mystery" "Use keys to unlock your memories" "Memory unlocked!">> <<achievement "ke3" true 10 "The Collector" "Collect keys by interacting with others" "Keys' Stock increased!">> <<achievement "rich1" false 5 "Only The Rich" "hidden" "You didn't wear black for the funeral!">> <<achievement "rich2" true 10 "Breaking News" "Be the topic of the tabloid news" "You made the news!">> <<achievement "detec1" true 10 "Clue collector" "Find all the clues" "You've found all the clues!">> <<achievement "ku1" false 5 "The first clue" "hidden" "You got the first clue!">> <<achievement "ku2" false 5 "The second clue" "hidden" "You got the second clue!">> <<achievement "ku3" false 5 "The third clue" "hidden" "You got the third clue!">> <<achievement "ku4" false 5 "The fourth clue" "hidden" "You got the fourth clue!">> <<achievement "ku5" false 5 "The fifth clue" "hidden" "You got the fifth clue!">> <<achievement "lkiss1" false 5 "Objection Hearsay" "hidden" "You shared a kiss with the lawyer!">> <<achievement "boy1" false 5 "Last Wish" "hidden" "You kept your promise to Tess!">> <<achievement "cuzz2" false 5 "Bad Investment" "hidden" "You lost fifty millions!">> <<achievement "inspec2" false 100 "Case Closed" "hidden" "You unmasked the killer!">> <<achievement "turn3" false 100 "No Good Deed" "hidden" "You turned the killer over to the police!">>

/* similar to ChoiceScript's image syntax, but image file has to be included in the images folder <<image file alignment alt-text>> */ <<widget "image">> <<set _file = _args[0]>> <<set _align = _args[1]>> <<set _alt = _args[2]>> <<set _dir = setup.imgPath>> <<if _alt>> <img @class="_align" @src="_dir + _file" @alt="_alt"> <<elseif not (_align eq "left" or _align eq "right" or _align eq "center")>> <<set _alt = _align>> <img class="center" @src="_dir + _file" @alt="_alt"> <<elseif _align>> <img @class="_align" @src="_dir + _file"> <<else>> <img class="center" @src="_dir + _file"> <</if>> <</widget>> /* capitalize first letter of a given variable's content, default is to change the content, otherwise give parameter for change as "false" <<capfirst "$var" change>> */ <<widget "capfirst">> <<set _v = _args[0]>> <<if _args.length gt 1>> <<set _change = _args[1]>> <<else>> <<set _change = true>> <</if>> <<if _change and State.getVar(_v)>> <<run State.setVar(_v, State.getVar(_v).toUpperFirst())>> <<else>> <<print State.getVar(_v).toUpperFirst()>> <</if>> <</widget>> /* for when having a short line of text to a choice selection */ <<widget "text">> <<if $text neq "">>$text <</if>> <<set $text = "">> <</widget>> /* shorthand for creating a return button */ <<widget "returnbutton">> <<button "Return to Story" $return>><</button>> <</widget>> /* shorthand for setting up stat bar */ <<widget "statbar">> <<set _stat = _args[0]>> <<set _left = _args[1]>> <<if _args[2]>> <<set _right = _args[2]>> <<else>><<set _right = "">> <</if>> <<set _p = State.getVar(_stat)>> <<if _p>> <<if _right>> <<set _right = _right + " " + (100 - _p) + "%">> <</if>> <div class="stat-bar rounded"> _left _p% _right </div> <</if>> <</widget>>

Personal Information Name: $namemc $surnamemc Also known as: ?you_var of the family Pronouns: $pronou Gender: $gender Skin Color: $Skintone Eyes color: $Eyes Hair: $type $Haircolor Personality <<statbar "$brat1" "Modest" "Spoiled">> <<statbar "$kind1" "Kind" "Heartless">> <<statbar "$self1" "Selfless" "Selfish">> Bank Account: <<= $money1 + $bil1>> Money Donated: <<= $moneyd + $bild>> Money Invested: <<= $money3 + $bil3>> Money lost due to stock and bad investment: <<= $money4 + $bil4>> Money gained due to stock or good investment: <<= $money5 + $bil5>> <<if $mom_ney>> $mom_ney <</if>> <<if $bro_ney>> $bro_ney <</if>> <<if $dad_ney>> $dad_ney <</if>> Personal Wealth & Assets <ul> <<if $ass2>> <li>$ass2 $priceass2</li> <</if>> <<if $ass1>> <li>$ass1 $priceass1</li> <</if>> <<if $ass3>> <li>$ass3 $priceass3</li> <</if>> <<if $ass4>> <li>$ass4 $priceass4</li> <</if>> <<if $ass5>> <li>$ass5 $priceass5</li> <</if>> <<if $ass6>> <li>$ass6 $priceass6</li> <</if>> </ul> Total In Assets: <<= $money2 + $bil2>> Relationship The detective: Detective<<if hasVisited("c1_det")>> Mars<</if>> <<statbar "$det_rel" "Relationship">> <<if $det_rom gt 10>> <<statbar "$det_rom" "Romance">> <</if>> The family lawyer: $law_name Storks <<statbar "$law_rel" "Relationship">> <<if $law_rom gt 10>> <<statbar "$law_rom" "Romance">> <</if>> The bodyguard: $bod_name <<statbar "$bod_rel" "Relationship">> <<if $bod_rom gt 10>> <<statbar "$bod_rom" "Romance">> <</if>> $ro1: $sec_name <<statbar "$sec_rel" "Relationship">> <<if $sec_rom gt 10>> <<statbar "$sec_rom" "Romance">> <</if>> <<link "🔍 Your list of clues.">> <<popup "stat_clues" "Clues">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 The $surnamemc family members.">> <<popup "stat_family" "Family">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 A rundown of your life.">> <<popup "stat_life" "Life">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 Achievements">> <<popup "achievementview" "Achievements">> <</link>>

<<image "clu3.png" "clue board">> Keys Owned: $keyz 🔑 <<image "clu10.png" "right" "magnifying glass looking at footprints">> Memories Of The Night It All Happened. 1: $mem1 2: $mem2 3: $mem3 4: $mem4 5: $mem5 <<image "clu10.png" "right" "magnifying glass looking at footprints">> List of clues gathered. 1: $klu11 2: $klu22 3: $klu33 4: $klu44 5: $klu55 <<image "clu10.png" "right" "magnifying glass looking at footprints">> Your thoughts on your father: Assumptions: $susfg The truth: $susft Status: $susftus Your thoughts on your aunt Mira: Assumptions: $susfg The truth: $susft Status: $susamtus Your thoughts on Tess: Assumptions: $sustg The truth: $sustt Status: $susttus <<image "clu10.png" "right" "magnifying glass looking at footprints">> Your thoughts on aunt Flo: Assumptions: $susafg The truth: $susaft Status: $susaftus Your thoughts on your mother: Assumptions: $susmg The truth: $susmt Status: $susmtus <<image "clu10.png" "right" "magnifying glass looking at footprints">> Your thoughts on uncle Rob: Assumptions: $susurg The truth: $susurt Status: $susurtus Your thoughts on your brother: Assumptions: $susbg The truth: $susbt Status: $susbtus Your thoughts on your cousin Dominik: Assumptions: $susdomg The truth: $susdomt Status: $susdktus <<link "🔍 Personal Information.">> <<popup "stats" "">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 The $surnamemc family members.">> <<popup "stat_family" "Family">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 A rundown of your life.">> <<popup "stat_life" "Life">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 Achievements">> <<popup "achievementview" "Achievements">> <</link>>

The $surnamemc family members. Granpa $henry: Deceased. My mother $esther <<if $statm>> Status: $susmtus <<else>> <<statbar "$mom_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> My father $leon <<if $statf>> Status: $susftus <<else>> <<statbar "$dad_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> My brother Benny <<if $statb>> Status: $susbtus <<else>> <<statbar "$bro_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> My uncle Rob <<if $statur>> Status: $susurtus <<else>> <<statbar "$unc_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> My aunt Mira <<if $statam>> Status: $susamtus <<else>> <<statbar "$aunt_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> My cousin Tess <<if $statt>> Status: $susttus <<else>> <<statbar "$tess_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> My cousin Dominik <<if $statdk>> Status: $susdktus <<else>> <<statbar "$domk_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> My cousin Dominic <<if $statdc>> Status: $susdctus <<else>> <<statbar "$domc_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> My Aunt Florence <<if $stataf>> Status: $susaftus <<else>> <<statbar "$flo_rel" "Relationship">> <</if>> Other Relationship The Butler: André <<statbar "$but_rel" "Relationship">> <<link "🔍 Personal Information.">> <<popup "stats" "">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 Your list of clues.">> <<popup "stat_clues" "Clues">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 A rundown of your life.">> <<popup "stat_life" "Life">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 Achievements">> <<popup "achievementview" "Achievements">> <</link>>

You're a proud member of the $surnamemc family! Currently in your bank account: <<= $money1 + $bil1>> Lifestyle Expenses: <<= $cost11 + $bil11>> Money Donated: <<= $moneyd + $bild>> Money Invested: <<= $money3 + $bil3>> What the tabloids think of you today: $tabloidt The person you suspect to be the killer: $sus0 $mom_ney $bro_ney $dad_ney <<link "🔍 Personal Information.">> <<popup "stats" "">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 Your list of clues.">> <<popup "stat_clues" "Clues">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 The $surnamemc family members.">> <<popup "stat_family" "Family">> <</link>> <<link "🔍 Achievements">> <<popup "achievementview" "Achievements">> <</link>>

<<include "StoryDisplayTitle">> by <a href="https://the-keeper-of-midnight.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><<include "StoryAuthor">></a>

<<link "Stats">> <<popup "stats" "Stats">> <</link>> <<link "Credits">> <<popup "credits" "Credits">> <</link>>