Investing In Overlooked Women: I Get Cashback On Every Glow-Up

The sleek private jet ride was barely enough time for the high from the championship win to wear off, but the moment the helicopter touched down on the island’s private helipad, the reality set in.

I led the team down the wooden walkway toward the beachfront estate. The villa was a massive, open-concept architectural marvel—infinity pool merging seamlessly with the crystal-clear turquoise ocean, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and lush tropical greenery surrounding the entire property.

As I pushed open the main entrance doors, NightEye’s jaw literally hit the floor.

”Holy crap...” NightEye breathed, stepping inside and looking up at the high timber ceilings and out toward the private beach. ”Boss... is this real?! This is actually sick!”

Angelo walked in right behind her, dropping his duffel bag onto the marble floor, completely stunned. ”You weren’t joking about full-expense. Man, this place looks like a movie set.”

Amanda stood near the glass doors, taking a deep breath of the ocean breeze, a rare, relaxed smile spreading across her face. ”No screaming crowds, no toxic trash-talk, no scripts. Just peace.”

Piercer, true to form, just sauntered past everyone toward the floor-to-ceiling mirror near the pool terrace. She adjusted her sunglasses, checked her reflection, and lightly brushed her hair over her shoulder with a nonchalant shrug.

”It’s decent,” Piercer said, glazing herself in the mirror with a smirk. ”A fitting residence for the best fragger in the league, honestly.”

NightEye threw a couch pillow at the back of Piercer’s head, which Piercer effortlessly dodged without even looking.

I leaned against the doorframe, tossing the keycards onto the central marble island, enjoying the sight of your squad finally unwinding after the brutal tournament run.

”All right, listen up,” you said, catching their attention. ”This whole place is yours for the next two weeks. Eat whatever you want, swim whenever you want, sleep as long as you want. This is where you guys stay and chill. You earned every single second of it.”

”Alright, enough admiring the architecture,” I laughed, clapping your hands. ”Go hit the rooms, drop your bags, and get ready. The ocean isn’t going to swim in itself.”

Within twenty minutes, the team re-emerged changed into their beach gear. NightEye had on bright neon trunks and a oversized graphic tee, Angelo was rocking a crisp pair of boardshorts, and Amanda looked completely relaxed in a sleek black two-piece. Piercer, of course, strutted out onto the sand in a high-fashion designer swimsuit and oversized designer shades, looking like she was stepping straight onto a magazine cover.

By late afternoon, someone found a regulation volleyball tucked near the pool shed, and it didn’t take long for the trash-talk to start up all over again.

I kicked off my sandals, digging my feet into the warm, soft sand near the net. ”Alright, let’s make this interesting. Me and Angelo against the girls. First to fifteen, standard rules.”

”You two are going down,” NightEye declared, spinning the volleyball on her finger before tossing it over to Amanda. ”We have the best coordination in the league!”

”Yeah, in FPS games, NightEye!” Angelo called out, dropping into a defensive stance across the net next to you. ”Let’s see if that auto-aim carries over to sand!”

Amanda served first, sending a high, arching floating shot right over the net. i tracked it, stepping under the ball and bumping it cleanly up into the air.

”Setting you up, Angelo!” you called out.

Angelo leapt into the air, driving a spike straight toward the baseline, but Piercer lunged out with a quick dig, popping the ball right back into play. Amanda set it up cleanly, and NightEye came over the top, tapping it down into an open spot on my side of the court to score the first point.

”Point one!” Piercer smirked, adjusting her sunglasses as the girls high-fived. ”Hope you brought your stamina, boss!”

”Don’t get comfortable,” I laughed, grabbing the ball and rolling it back to their side. ”We’re just warming up.”

Angelo dove parallel to the sand trying to keep the final match point alive, but Amanda’s sharp drop-shot fell just inches past his outstretched fingertips.

”Game!” NightEye cheered, throwing her arms up in victory while Piercer struck a dramatic winning pose at the net.

”You guys got lucky,” Angelo groaned, pulling himself up and shaking the sand off his shorts. ”Boss, we need a rematch tomorrow.”

”You got it,” I grinned, grabbing a towel. ”Let’s head back up.”

After washing off the salt and sand, everyone gathered in the penthouse living area. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow across the floor-to-ceiling glass, and the team was sprawled out on the plush sectionals, sipping drinks and complaining about their sore muscles.

Suddenly, the front door chimed, and a woman stepped inside, casually carrying a weekender bag over her shoulder. She wiped off her sunglasses, revealing a sharp, striking gaze and an undeniable athletic aura.

The entire penthouse went dead silent.

NightEye froze mid-sip, her eyes bulging out of her head. Angelo’s jaw dropped so far it practically hit the coffee table, and even Piercer slowly sat up straight, her usual unbothered composure completely vanishing.

”No way...” NightEye squeaked, pointing a trembling finger. ”Is that... are you... OMG, you’re May!”

”The fastest woman alive?!” Angelo blurted out, standing up so fast he nearly knocked his drink over. ”What is she doing here?!”

May gave a relaxed, easygoing laugh, setting her bag down near the entrance. ”Hey everyone. Relax, I don’t bite unless it’s competition day.”

”She’s here for the holiday,” I said casually, walking over to grab a bottle of water from the kitchen island and tossing one to her.

May caught it effortlessly with one hand, popping the cap. ”Needed a break from training camp, and someone promised me a private island getaway.” She looked over at you with a smirk. ”Thanks for the invite, Ethan.”

The entire squad turned their heads in absolute sync, staring at you in utter shock.

”Wait... what?!” Piercer gasped, breaking her cool facade entirely. ”You know May?!”

”You just casually invited an Olympic-level superstar to our team vacation?!” NightEye practically yelled, her head spinning as she looked between I and May. ”Boss... who are you?!”