Chapter 30 - A Brewing Storm
Jack paces his office, his mind racing. The system's warning about Leonard meeting with Derek has thrown a wrench in his plans. He knew Leonard was desperate, but aligning with Derek? That's a move he didn't see coming.
[Mission Update: Monitor Leonard's activities. Progress: 60%]
Chris enters, his expression grim. "I just confirmed it. Leonard met with Derek at a private club last night. They were in there for hours."
"Did we get any audio?" Jack asks, his jaw tight.
"No," Chris says, shaking his head. "But I did manage to get a few photos of them together."
Jack takes the photos and examines them closely. Leonard looks nervous, fidgeting with his tie, while Derek has a smug, confident grin plastered across his face.
"He's planning something," Jack mutters. "And Derek's feeding off his desperation."
[Mission Update: Monitor Leonard's activities. Progress: 80%]
Jack slams the photos down on his desk. "We need leverage. If Leonard is thinking about betraying me, I need to know exactly what he's planning."
Chris nods. "I have a contact at that club – a bartender. I can try to get more information."
"Do it," Jack says, his tone icy. "And while you're at it, keep a close eye on Mia."
Chris frowns. "Mia? You think she's involved?"
"No," Jack says, shaking his head. "But she's new. And if Derek finds out she's working for me, he might try to get to her."
[New Mission Unlocked: Protect Mia Turner. Reward: Security Network Lv. 1.]
That night, Jack sits alone in his penthouse, staring out at the city. The skyline twinkles like a field of stars, each light representing an opportunity – or a threat.
His mind drifts back to the day he died – the day Lisa and Derek betrayed him, their smug faces haunting his thoughts.
"Not again," he mutters under his breath. "This time, I'm prepared."
[System Notification: A storm is brewing. Be ready.]