Marcus woke to sunlight streaming through his window and Sophie's arm draped across his chest. For a moment, he just lay there, watching her sleep – the way her hair fanned across his pillow, the peaceful expression on her face.
His phone buzzed on the nightstand.
[RETURN PROCESSED]
[Previous Balance: $1,292.32]
[Return Amount: $867.62]
[New Balance: $2,159.94]
Over two thousand dollars. Marcus stared at the number, then at Sophie, then back at the number.
[USER PROFILE: MARCUS CHEN]
[NETWORTH: $2,159.94]
[POWER: 5]
[REPUTATION: 35]
[ACTIVE CONNECTIONS: 1 (Sophie - High Value)]
The system display lingered, then added something new:
[PROTOCOL ANALYSIS]
[Current trajectory: Limited]
[Seduction requires variety. Pleasure demands exploration.]
[Recommendation: Expand portfolio of connections]
[Note: Monogamy incompatible with optimal returns]
Marcus felt his stomach tighten. He looked at Sophie again, still sleeping peacefully against him.
"You're saying I can't just..." he whispered to the screen.
[Correct. The Interest Protocol rewards conquest, not commitment.]
[Sophie can remain a primary asset, but exclusivity limits growth potential.]
[High-value targets yield higher multipliers. Variety compounds returns.]
[Your revenge requires power. Power requires resources. Resources require expansion.]
Marcus sat up carefully, trying not to wake Sophie. He padded to the bathroom, closing the door before speaking again.
"So what, I'm supposed to just... sleep with as many women as possible?"
[Strategically, yes.]
[Quality over quantity. High-value targets: executives, influencers, wealthy wives, celebrities.]
[Each successful seduction increases reputation, expands network, multiplies wealth.]
[Sophie: Valuable foundation. Entry point to creative industry connections.]
[But she cannot be your only focus.]
Marcus braced his hands on the sink, staring at his reflection. The system was right, and he knew it. This wasn't about finding a girlfriend. This was about revenge. About becoming so successful, so powerful, that Emma and James would choke on their regret.
And the Protocol was telling him exactly how to do it.
"How do I..." he started, then stopped. "How do I do this without being an asshole?"
[Honesty when possible. Never promise exclusivity. Focus on mutual pleasure.]
[Most high-value women prefer men who have options.]
[Scarcity creates desire. Abundance creates magnetism.]
Marcus heard movement in the bedroom – Sophie was waking up.
"Okay," he whispered. "I understand."
He splashed water on his face and went back to the bedroom. Sophie was sitting up, sheet pooled around her waist, stretching with unselfconscious grace.
"Morning," she said, smiling. "You have coffee?"
"I can make some."
"Perfect. I need to shower first though." She stood, completely naked and completely comfortable, and headed for the bathroom. "Join me?"
Twenty minutes later, they were in his kitchen – Sophie wearing one of his t-shirts that hit her mid-thigh, Marcus in sweatpants, both nursing coffee.
"So," Sophie said, perched on one of his counter stools. "I should probably say something."
Marcus's chest tightened. "Yeah?"
"Last night was really great. Like, really great." She met his eyes. "But I'm not looking for a boyfriend right now. My career is finally taking off, and I can't afford distractions."
Marcus felt relief wash through him so intensely he almost laughed. "That's... actually perfect."
Sophie raised an eyebrow. "It is?"
"Yeah. I'm not in a place for a relationship either. I'm rebuilding my entire life right now." He leaned against the counter. "But I like you. And last night was incredible."
"So what are you saying?"
"I'm saying we keep doing this. No pressure, no expectations. Just... when we both want to."
Sophie studied him for a long moment, then smiled slowly. "You know, most guys would be trying to lock this down right now. Planning the second date before the first one's even over."
"Not most guys, remember?"
"No, you're really not." She set down her coffee and came around the counter to him. "Okay, Marcus Chen. Let's see where this goes."
She kissed him – quick and light – then pulled back.
"I need to get home and change. I have a client meeting at two." She headed for the bedroom to get dressed. "Text me though. Let's do this again soon."
Five minutes later, she was gone, leaving behind the faint scent of her perfume and a lipstick mark on Marcus's coffee mug.
[OPTIMAL OUTCOME ACHIEVED]
[Sophie connection maintained without exclusivity constraints]
[You are now free to pursue additional targets]
[New mission available: Would you like to view?]
"Show me," Marcus said to his empty apartment.
[MISSION: EXPANDING INFLUENCE]
[Objective: Attend high-value social event]
[Target: Network with minimum 3 women of elevated status]
[Investment range: $400-600 (attire, entrance, drinks)]
[Recommended venue: The Apex Gallery opening tonight, 8 PM]
[Expected attendees: Artists, collectors, Manhattan elite]
[Dress code: Smart cocktail]
[Projected returns: Variable based on connections made]
[Time limit: 10 hours]
Marcus pulled out his laptop and searched for The Apex Gallery. It was in Chelsea – a contemporary art space known for launching careers and hosting the kind of people Marcus had never had access to before.
The gallery opening was public, but drinks weren't free, and he'd need clothes that didn't scream "unemployed software developer."
He checked his bank balance again: $2,159.94
Six days ago, he'd had $247.
He accepted the mission.