Chapter 32 - A High-Stakes Confrontation
Jack and Chris stride through the crowded club, eyes fixed on the VIP section where Leonard and Derek are seated. The air is thick with the scent of expensive cologne and desperation. Leonard's nervous laughter echoes through the room as Derek leans closer, his grin predatory.
"Look at them," Chris mutters. "Leonard's sweating bullets."
"Good," Jack says, his jaw clenched. "Let him."
As they approach the booth, Derek's eyes lock onto Jack's. The smug grin on Derek's face falters for a split second before he regains his composure. "Well, well. If it isn't Jack Carter. Come to join the party?"
Jack doesn't respond, his cold gaze shifting to Leonard. "Mind if we sit down?"
Leonard swallows hard, glancing nervously at Derek. "I... I didn't expect you here, Jack."
"Clearly," Jack says, sliding into the booth. Chris stands behind him, arms crossed, eyes glaring at Derek.
"What do you want, Jack?" Derek sneers, feigning nonchalance. "I'm just having a business discussion with Leonard here."
Jack leans forward, his expression dark. "You mean the kind of business where you undermine a partner and steal what's not yours?"
Leonard visibly flinches. "Jack, I can explain—"
"Save it," Jack snaps, tossing a folder onto the table. Photos of Leonard and Derek meeting in secret spill out, along with financial records showing the transfer of shares. "You were planning to sell the remaining shares of the convenience store chain to Derek."
Leonard's face goes white. "I... I had no choice! I'm drowning in debt!"
"You had a choice," Jack says, his voice cold as ice. "You chose wrong."
Derek chuckles, crossing his arms. "So what? You've got some photos and numbers. That doesn't change anything. Leonard signed the agreement. The deal is done."
Jack smirks, pulling out his phone. "Mia, play the audio."
A crisp recording begins to play – Leonard and Derek's conversation from the club the night before. Leonard's voice comes through, shaky and desperate. "I don't care if Jack finds out. I just need the money. Do whatever it takes to push him out."
Derek's reply is clear and cutting: "Leave it to me. I'll make sure Jack's assets are frozen by the end of the week."
Leonard's jaw drops. "You recorded us?!"
Jack leans back, his expression triumphant. "You betrayed me, Leonard. And Derek? You just declared war."
Derek's grin fades, his eyes narrowing. "You think this is over, Carter? You're messing with forces you can't handle."
"Funny," Jack says, standing up. "I was just about to say the same to you."
[Mission Completed: Protect your investment in the convenience store chain. Reward: Financial Acquisition Lv. 1.]
[New Mission Unlocked: Counter Derek's attack on your assets. Reward: Corporate Defense Lv. 1.]
Jack and Chris walk away, the tension in the air palpable. Outside, Jack clenches his fists, the icy wind stinging his face.
"Chris," Jack says, his eyes burning with fury. "It's time to go on the offensive."