That evening, while New York welcomed the night, Allen was in a luxurious Manhattan apartment that belonged to Stefan Ossa, president of Golden Stone. The meeting was about investment forecasts, and as always, Allen came well-prepared. He enthusiastically discussed market expectations, how to respond to changes, and what financial benefits Golden Stone could gain.
But the evening wasn't just about profits and figures. Tyra Thor-Ossa, Stefan's wife, joined them for dinner. In an elegant room with soft lighting and classical music, they spoke about life, business, and the future, enjoying dishes that could be considered culinary masterpieces. Allen, caught up in conversation, spoke about Aris meeting a mysterious girl named Lily—and how he hadn't stopped talking about her since returning from Zurich.
— "Is she even real, this Lily, or just Aris's fantasy?" Tyra asked.
— "Apparently she is real," Allen replied. "Now I'm curious too. Let me contact Dr. Grosskopf and find out how she's connected to the 'Caspace' project."
He put the call on speakerphone, knowing the conversation would be important for everyone present.
— "Dr. Grosskopf, this is Allen Corrado, advisor to the Golden Stone holding," he began in a professional tone.
— "I know who you are, Mr. Corrado," she replied, not bothering with pleasantries. Her voice was cold but confident. "Why bother introducing yourself?"
Allen didn't waste time.
— "Who is Lily? Aris met her today in Manhattan. You said she didn't exist. How did she appear?"
Dr. Grosskopf was silent for a moment, her voice slightly tense.
— "This isn't a phone conversation, Mr. Corrado," she said firmly.
— "Fine," Allen replied. "When can we speak via video?"
— "In ten minutes," she said curtly.
— "Alright, I'll connect. Mrs. Thor-Ossa will be joining us too."
Ten minutes later, the video call was established. Tyra, seated in Stefan's office, listened closely to every word from Dr. Grosskopf, knowing this information might be crucial.
Dr. Grosskopf began to explain what had happened.
— "Lily and Cleo were participants in the Caspace program. I assure you, there's nothing to worry about. They don't remember anything from the last thirty days. Their memories were erased. Lily will return to Zurich soon. Her grandmother passed away about three months ago, and she inherited her house. She plans to sell it. Once she signs the contract, she'll return."
Tyra listened carefully, weighing the implications. When Dr. Grosskopf finished, she said without hesitation:
— "Where is the house located? I'll buy it."
Dr. Grosskopf responded with a hint of sarcasm:
— "It's in Brighton Beach. I'm sure Allen will find out quickly."
After the call, Allen and Tyra acted fast. They knew time was of the essence. The next day, Allen contacted the real estate agency working with Lily and learned the house was already up for sale. The Ossa clan had long controlled the New York real estate market, and the deal went smoothly.
The sale was completed swiftly and quietly. Mrs. Thor-Ossa purchased the house without even negotiating.
***
The next morning, Aunt Tessa and Lily, excited to see something extraordinary at the Metropolitan Museum, stepped inside. A huge security guard was addressing the gathered visitors:
"Ladies and gentlemen, there's been a theft in the Egyptian gallery. The hall is currently closed. We don't know when it will reopen. We apologize for the inconvenience."
— "What's going on in this world? How could someone take something that's not theirs?" Aunt Tessa fumed. "People are so cruel now. In our time, everyone got along."
— "Auntie, wait. Let me answer this call."
Lily answered the phone. It was the real estate agency: "You're lucky—today a client bought your house. The money will be transferred to your account within three business days."
The news stunned her.
— "Aunt Tessa, it was the agency. The house has been sold. I'll have to go back to Zurich," Lily said, bewildered.
— "What is going on? Everything's happening so fast. Let's go home. I don't like this New York anymore. Things were better in our time."
No one could have predicted how quickly events could unfold when powerful forces are at play.