Alex stood motionless in the corridor, his gaze fixed on the space where Catherine and Victoria had disappeared moments ago.
The evening had unfolded exactly as planned. Better than planned, actually.
His attention shifted to the system interface materializing in his vision like translucent glass overlaying reality.
[Catherine Blackwood ]
- Emotional Dependency: 90% (+5%)
- Conquest Points Awarded: +2,000 CP
- Status: DEEPLY COMMITTED
Alex studied the numbers with quiet satisfaction.
A five percent increase from a single breakthrough. From 85% to 90% just by delivering on one promise.
Alex's slight smile widened.
The gratitude in her eyes when she'd looked at him. The softness beneath her usual control. The way she'd said "I won't forget this" with genuine emotion rather than political calculation.
'She's not just strategically aligned anymore. She's personally invested.'
But getting from 90% to 100%...
Alex's expression turned thoughtful.
