Episode 20 — Collector's Pressure
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Cold Open — Red HUD
Miami mornings burned bright, sun spilling across marble floors and glass walls. Legend lit a blunt on the balcony, HUD glowing steady.
[CASH FLOW | +$3,200 Deposited]
Balance: $192,940 → $196,140
The number climbed, steady as a drumbeat. But the HUD screamed red.
[System Alert: Secret Shield Stress — 99%. Break Imminent.]
[Silver Tongue Active: Lies Halved to Truths.]
Legend smirked, blowing smoke into the heat. "Break if you want. I'll still talk my way out."
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Scene 1 — Miles Blackballed
That night, Miles had his biggest showcase yet — outdoor stage, DJs, Miami crowds screaming his name.
He was mid-verse, raw and hungry, when the sound cut. Again. Lights dimmed.
Boos rose. Chaos stirred. Collector's men stood near the sound booth, too calm.
Legend moved smooth. He snapped $1,500—Balance: $194,640—into the DJ's hands. "Backup system. Now."
The DJ hesitated. The agents leaned in. "Don't. Or you'll regret it."
Legend smiled, voice silk. "He'll regret poverty more. Run the music."
Sound surged back. Miles roared louder, crowd exploding.
The agents glared. Legend leaned close, low voice. "Tell your boss Miami's mine too."
HUD chimed:
[Influence: Miles — Confidence Boosted.]
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Scene 2 — Salina's Suspicion
Later, at a rooftop lounge, Salina leaned close, eyes sharp. "Everywhere we go, women stare at you. Some even try to touch. You don't…?"
HUD pulsed red.
[Secret Shield Active — Stress 99%.]
Legend cupped her chin, voice low. "I don't let them. I let them want. Wanting don't cost. You're the only thing permanent."
Her suspicion melted into heat. She kissed him rough. "Then I'll never leave."
HUD pulsed green.
[Influence: Salina — Loyalty Reinforced.]
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Scene 3 — New Woman, New Secret
Later that week, after a club run with the Cayo Kings, one of their women slid up to him. "I don't want your money. I want your time."
Hours later, hotel sheets tangled, sweat dripping.
HUD flickered.
[Secret Logged: Concealed.]
[Secret Shield Stress Level: 99% → Critical.]
Legend smirked after, lighting a blunt. "Anywhere I go, they want it. That's the cost."
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Scene 4 — Cross-City Chaos
Another run: Miami docks to a Bronx safehouse. Cargo heavy, payout bigger.
Halfway through, ambush. Collector's men mixed with rivals, blocking the road. Guns, blades, shouting.
Legend stepped out, smooth. "We can all bleed. Or we can all eat."
He snapped $2,500—Balance: $192,140—scattered cash into the air. Greed broke their line.
One man still charged. Legend pumped $800 into Cash Knuckle, fist cracking ribs clean.
HUD pulsed green.
[Mission Complete: +$35,000] → Balance: $227,140
[Level Up: 23 → 24]
Hourly Income: $3,400/hr
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Scene 5 — Secret Nearly Exposed
Back in Miami, Salina found a lipstick smudge on his jacket. Eyes sharp. "This isn't mine."
HUD screamed red.
[Secret Shield Failing — 100% Stress.]
Legend didn't flinch. "Club girl brushed against me. You know how they act. You think I'd risk you for something that cheap?"
Silver Tongue shimmered.
[Suspicion Reversed: +Trust.]
Salina's eyes softened, heat rising. She kissed him, whispering, "You're right. I believe you."
HUD pulsed.
[Silver Tongue Saved Exposure.]
[Secret Shield Critical: May Collapse Next Time.]
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Scene 6 — Collector's Warning
That night, an envelope slid under the door.
Inside: a photo. Legend on the balcony, smoke curling, Salina asleep behind him.
Note: You can't lie forever.
HUD flashed blood-red.
[Collector Pressure: Maximum.]
[Secret Shield: Critical, Overload Pending.]
Legend burned the photo, voice calm. "Forever's expensive. I pay cash."
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Closing Beat
Miami lights glowed over water. Miles in the studio, Salina curled against him, HUD glowing steady.
[CASH FLOW | +$3,400 Deposited]
Balance: $230,540
Legend smirked. "Lowkey. Smooth. Untouchable."