Chapter 34 - The Enemy Within
Jack stands in his office, staring at the list of shareholders on Mia's laptop. Lisa Thompson – his ex-wife – is not only aligned with Derek but actively working to undermine him.
"She's using my own money against me," Jack mutters, his fists clenched. "I should've known she wouldn't just disappear."
Mia closes the laptop, her expression grim. "There's more. I traced a few more transactions. Derek isn't working alone. He's got a backer – someone with serious financial clout."
"Who?" Jack asks, eyes narrowing.
"Haven't figured that out yet," Mia says. "But whoever it is, they're moving fast. If they manage to acquire another 10% of the shares, Derek will have enough to launch the takeover."
[Mission Update: Prevent Derek's hostile takeover. Progress: 50%]
Chris enters, his face tight with urgency. "Jack, we've got a problem. Our own shareholders are getting restless. They're being offered double market value for their shares – and some are starting to crack."
Jack grits his teeth. "Derek's playing dirty."
"It gets worse," Chris continues. "I just got word that Leonard is trying to rally the board against you. He's painting you as reckless and unpredictable."
[New Mission Unlocked: Secure board loyalty. Reward: Leadership Influence Lv. 1.]
Jack takes a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "Alright. Here's what we're going to do. Chris, I need you to get me a list of every shareholder still loyal to me. Offer them an incentive – bonuses, dividends, whatever it takes."
"Got it," Chris says, already moving.
"Mia, keep digging into Derek's backer. Whoever it is, they're the real threat here. And find out how Lisa is moving her money. There has to be a pattern."
Mia nods, eyes determined. "I'm on it."
[Mission Update: Uncover Derek's true backers. Progress: 30%]
As they leave, Jack sinks into his chair, eyes fixed on the city skyline. Lisa, Leonard, Derek – all of them are circling him like vultures. But he won't go down without a fight.
The phone buzzes. It's a text from an unknown number:
"You're losing, Jack. Quit while you're still ahead. – L.T."
Jack's eyes flash with anger. Lisa. She thinks she's already won.
"Not a chance," Jack mutters, tossing the phone onto the desk. "This is just the beginning."
[Mission Update: Uncover Derek's true backers. Progress: 50%]
Jack stands, rolling up his sleeves. It's time to show them what a real tycoon can do.