Chapter 17 - Expanding Influence
Jack sits in the café, staring at his phone. Emily hasn't called yet. Time is running out, and he needs to secure that bakery.
"Jack, you okay?" Chris asks, setting a fresh cup of coffee in front of him.
Jack snaps out of his thoughts and nods. "Yeah, just waiting on some news."
Before Chris can respond, Jack's phone vibrates. It's Emily.
"Jack?" her voice is shaky. "I've thought it over. I'll do it. I'll sign over the shares."
Jack's lips curl into a satisfied smirk. "Good. Meet me at the café in an hour. We'll finalize the paperwork."
[Mission Update: Acquire the bakery. Time remaining: 12 hours.]
An hour later, Emily walks in, looking exhausted but determined. Jack has the paperwork ready, and Chris witnesses the signing.
"You'll keep 40% and stay on as the head baker," Jack says, sliding the documents over. "But all financial decisions go through me. Understood?"
Emily nods, her hands trembling as she signs. "Understood."
[Mission Completed: Acquire the bakery. Reward: Financial Forecasting Lv. 1.]
Jack feels a surge of information rush through his mind – financial projections, risk assessments, investment strategies. The Financial Forecasting skill is already at work.
[New Mission Unlocked: Turn the bakery profitable within 60 days. Reward: Marketing Mastery Lv. 1.]
Jack stands, extending his hand. "Congratulations, Emily. You just became part of something much bigger."
Emily shakes his hand, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "I hope I made the right choice."
Jack's smile is cold and confident. "Trust me. You did."