World Domination Begins With Getting a System in a Modern World-Chapter 168: Cullen Corp Making A Move?

Nightfall – UCLA Campus

The evening breeze swept through the near-empty quad as Alina stepped out of the journalism building, the sharp click of her heels echoing in the night.

Campus was quiet — the usual energy of passing students and late-night chatter now absent.

At the dark corners of the campus, some students were already making out. Some girls could be be seen going down on their knees and taking their boyfriend’s dick into their mouth.

The lamplights lining the walkway cast long, pale shadows on the concrete, and the air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and warm asphalt.

She adjusted the strap of her tote bag and walked briskly, her eyes scanning ahead.

She was planning to check out a café down the road and see if it’s still open.

But then... she noticed something.

It was subtle at first and it followed by a tingle at the nape of her neck, and then, a gut feeling.

Alina slowed her steps imperceptibly.

Her instincts were good. Sharpened by exposure, practice, and necessity. And right now, they were screaming.

She was being watched.

She didn’t turn her head. That was the first rule — never confirm you’ve noticed.

Instead, she let her eyes flick naturally across her surroundings: a dark bench under a jacaranda tree, a shadow tucked near a campus announcement board, a flicker of motion behind a lamp post.

Nothing obvious.

But the feeling didn’t fade. If anything, it grew more distinct — heavy and cold, like someone’s breath was brushing her shoulder without touching her skin.

She kept walking, her fingers subtly brushing her phone in her pocket, ready to call if needed.

Don’t panic. Don’t run. Blend.

She quickened her steps, heading for the Student Union, where she knew there was still a group of night shift maintenance staff cleaning the lower level.

She didn’t need help — just noise, bodies, witnesses. Predators hated witnesses.

As she approached the building, her pulse slowed slightly. The lights from the vending machines cast wide glows, and the chatter of custodians reached her ears.

Still, the sensation didn’t leave. It clung to her, like a shadow just out of reach.

She moved toward the wall, ducked under one of the overhangs, and finally pulled out her phone.

She hit James’ number without hesitation.

He picked up after two rings.

"Alina?" His voice was calm, but one could sense the surprise in it.

"I’m being followed."

James went still.

"Tell me where you are."

"Just outside the Student Union," she said softly.

"Campus is quiet, but someone’s tailing me. I didn’t see a face, just... that feeling. I’ve had it before."

"You’re sure?"

"I’m sure."

James exhaled. "Are you inside now?"

"Almost. I’m near a janitorial entrance, with people around. I don’t think they’ll make a move. But James..." Her voice lowered, tense. "This is different. It’s not random. It’s professional."

James rubbed the bridge of his nose, already moving toward his study.

"They’ve found you."

"You think it’s Cullen Corp?" freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"No doubt," James replied. "Their PI team must have connected dots faster than expected. They probably haven’t figured out everything yet — but they’re close."

Alina didn’t reply for a few seconds. Then: "What should I do?"

James’ voice was steady.

"Head to the main lot. Park your car where there’s cameras. Drive home — no detours. If you see anything odd, drive to the nearest hotel or police station and call me. Don’t go straight to your apartment if you suspect someone’s tailing you."

"Got it."

"And Alina?"

"Yes?"

"Keep your hair down, wear a cap if you have one, and stick to lit paths. Tonight’s not the night to be a lone hero."

"I’ll start handling things from my side," James added. "They won’t touch you."

"I’m not afraid," she said softly.

"I know," James replied. "But I am. And that’s why I’ll make sure they regret this."

They ended the call, and Alina took a deep breath. She stepped out of the overhang, adjusting her bag strap and walking with purpose.

The crowd of maintenance workers offered the buffer she needed as she made her way toward the central lot.

She didn’t look back again. She didn’t need to.

The watcher — whoever it was — had already made their presence known.

And now, the countdown had begun.

***

Meanwhile, in Bel-Air

James stood in his study, phone still in hand, the call just ended. The house was quiet. Patty and Leslie were in the living room finishing up their second movie, their laughter faint but comforting.

But James’ mind wasn’t on the television or even on the chilled glass of water waiting for him near the bar cart.

His eyes were locked on the dark window, his reflection staring back at him.

They had made a move on Alina.

And that meant the McCullens were growing bolder. Or more desperate.

He grabbed his phone again and began composing a message.

To: Mr. Harrington.

Subject: Emergency Follow-up.

Alina’s being tailed. Likely Cullen Corp’s private team. Possibly outside help. Begin sweeping countermeasures. I want backup plans in place by morning.

With message sent, James leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes.

Everything was moving faster now.

The takedown of Cullen Corp had passed the point of no return.

He and Alina weren’t just whispering behind the curtain anymore — they were on the stage, and the spotlight was swinging straight toward them.

And yet, James smiled.

Because this was what he had prepared for. What he had evolved for.

They could tail them. Threaten them. Even try to erase them.

But James wasn’t scared.

As he turned off the light in his study and began walking upstairs toward his bedroom, his thoughts drifted, as he thought of what came next.

The confrontation was no longer hypothetical.

It was real. And soon, it would begin.

James slid into bed, his muscles loose but his mind sharp.

He pulled the blanket over himself, let out a long breath, and whispered into the darkness:

"Let’s see how far they’re willing to go."

Then he closed his eyes and fell asleep.