Chapter 22 - Expanding the Bakery
Jack stands outside the bakery, watching as a steady stream of customers enters. Emily's pastries are selling out faster than she can bake them, and the café is thriving under his management.
"Jack, we're running out of stock again!" Emily calls from behind the counter, flour smudged on her cheek.
Jack smirks. "That's a good problem to have."
[Mission Update: Turn the bakery profitable within 60 days. Progress: 70%]
Chris walks in, a newspaper in hand. "You've seen this? Derek just declared bankruptcy. He's trying to sell off assets to cover his debts."
Jack's eyes narrow. "Really?"
[New Mission Unlocked: Acquire Derek's assets. Reward: Asset Management Lv. 1.]
Jack's mind races. If he can acquire Derek's café at a fraction of its value, he can expand Emily's bakery into a full-fledged café and bakery combo.
"Emily," Jack calls out, stepping behind the counter. "How would you feel about expanding?"
Emily's eyes widen. "Expand? How?"
"Derek's café is about to go under. I'm going to buy it – and you're going to run it."
Emily swallows, nerves flickering in her eyes. "Jack, that's... that's a lot."
Jack leans in, his voice firm. "You can do this. With me backing you, we can crush Derek once and for all."
Emily takes a deep breath, nodding. "Alright. Let's do it."
Jack pulls out his phone, dialing his lawyer. "Prepare the acquisition papers. We're taking Derek's café – and we're taking it now."