Paul swiped his finger across the computer screen, his eyes scanning the lines of code with a practiced intensity. He was a genius, in his own peculiar way – a master of algorithms and programming, but an outcast among his peers. The other students at his college saw him as a freak, a loner too obsessed with computers to care about anything else. Even his professors seemed to regard him with a mixture of fascination and pity.

But Paul didn't let their opinions bother him. He had his work, and that was enough. He lived and breathed code, spending long hours in the computer lab, fueled by energy drinks and microwaveable dinners. It was a solitary existence, but he preferred it that way.

One fateful night, while browsing through a dodgy online pharmacy, Paul stumbled upon an intriguing listing. "Mind Control Serum - Guaranteed to make anyone do your bidding!" the advertisement claimed. Paul couldn't resist – he ordered a batch, curious to see if the claims were true.

A week later, the package arrived, wrapped in discreet brown paper. Paul's heart raced as he carefully untied the twine and peeled back the layers. Inside, he found a small vial of clear liquid, accompanied by a pamphlet outlining the supposed effects.

After reading the instructions, Paul decided to test the drug on his stepmother, Helen. She was an abrasive, critical woman who always found fault with everything Paul did. He had grown tired of her belittling comments and constant nagging.

That evening, during dinner, Paul casually mentioned his plans to attend a coding competition over the weekend. Helen, predictably, objected, citing his lack of social skills and the likelihood of embarrassment. Paul simmered with resentment, but kept his cool.

After dessert, Paul "accidentally" spilled some of his drink on Helen's hand. As she complained and dabbed at the stain with a napkin, Paul quickly poured a tiny amount of the mind-control serum onto the cloth. He handed it to her, suggesting she use it to pat the remaining moisture from her skin.

Helen accepted the napkin, unaware of the drugged cloth. Within minutes, her demeanor shifted. She began to chat amiably, expressing interest in Paul's coding aspirations and even offering words of encouragement. It was as if the real Helen had been replaced by a benevolent, supportive substitute.

Paul was amazed – the drug worked! He spent the rest of the evening in spirited conversation with his stepmother, reveling in her sudden affection and understanding.

But as the night progressed, Paul found himself growing restless. The power he now wielded was intoxicating, and he couldn't resist the urge to test it further. His half-sister, Sophia, was the perfect guinea pig.

Sophia was a precocious teenager, frequently clashing with Paul over everything from music to clothes to their shared bathroom space. Paul had always felt a mix of annoyance and pity for Sophia, seeing her as a spoiled brat. But with the mind-control serum, he could turn her into his loyal servant.

That evening, Paul "accidentally" drizzled the serum onto Sophia's dinner plate. As she took a bite, Paul watched with satisfaction as her expression changed from skeptical to compliant. Sophia began to regurgitate everything Paul ordered her to say, launching into a glowing praise session for her stepbrother's genius and promising to support his every endeavor.

Paul's mind spun with the possibilities. He could use the drug to manipulate anyone – his mother, his friends, even his professors. The world would bend to his will.

The next day, as Paul walked through campus, he spotted a group of sorority girls preparing for a party in their dorm lounge. He remembered how much he hated their silly games and shallow conversations during his freshman year. It was time for revenge. Paul offered to cook for them, hoping they would accept his services without question. To his delight, they eagerly agreed, impressed by his culinary skills and lack of social awkwardness they started eating and drinking becoming his properties.