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Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: The Deal Behind Closed Doors

The rhythmic hum of downtown Detroit filled the air as Henry arrived at the glass tower of Langley Investments.

Black suit. Polished shoes.

Confidence sharper than the skyline itself.

The receptionist smiled nervously as he stepped in. "Mr. Cole, Mr. Langley is expecting you on the top floor."

He gave a polite nod, stepping into the private elevator. As the doors closed, his reflection stared back — the same face of a man once broke and forgotten, now rising through the city's hierarchy one deal at a time.

The elevator chimed.

Top floor.

Inside the boardroom, Marcus Langley waited — mid-50s, silver hair slicked back, a measured calm in his eyes that only came from decades of handling millions.

He stood, extending a hand. "Henry Cole. The young man who made Detroit drink coffee again."

Henry smiled faintly. "And you must be the man who can turn any number into gold."

Langley chuckled, motioning to the seat across from him. "Flattery won't work here, son — but results will."

The assistant poured them both espresso — Fortune Brew's blend.

Langley noticed immediately. "Your own brand?"

Henry nodded. "Quality sells itself. I make sure of that."

Langley took a sip, impressed. "Bold flavor. Smooth finish. Not bad."

He leaned forward. "So, let's talk business."

💼 The Offer

Langley slid a document across the polished table.

Langley Investments Proposal

Joint Expansion Project: Fortune Brew Franchise — Midwest Region

Capital Injection: $5 million

Equity Share: 25%

Henry scanned the file silently.

Everything looked professional — too professional.

The fine print screamed control.

"You want twenty-five percent for the capital," Henry said evenly. "But with that comes board influence and operational oversight, doesn't it?"

Langley smirked. "You catch on quick. You'll need guidance, connections, and structure — something money alone can't buy."

Henry's gaze sharpened. "No. I don't sell control. I sell results."

Langley studied him for a moment, then laughed quietly. "You've got fire. I like that. But fire burns out fast without oxygen."

The room went still.

Henry's phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced down briefly.

[Supreme Tycoon System Notification]

Partnership Offer Detected.

Auto-Analysis Available: Accept to Reveal Investor's Hidden Intentions?

He tapped Confirm.

[System Analysis Complete]

Marcus Langley: Profit-Driven | Strategic | Mildly Opportunistic.

Risk Level: Moderate. Potential Ally or Rival based on Agreement Terms.]

Henry looked up, meeting Langley's cool stare.

"I'll take your offer — with adjustments."

Langley raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

Henry's tone grew confident. "I'll accept your $5 million — but you only get 15% equity, no operational control. You can advise, not dictate. And the franchise name stays mine."

Langley leaned back, folding his hands. Silence stretched for several seconds.

Then he chuckled again.

"You remind me of myself at your age. Fine. Fifteen percent. But remember — one wrong step, and the market won't be as kind as I am."

Henry smiled. "Then I'll make sure it never has a reason not to be."

[System Notification]

Mission Complete: Secure Strategic Partnership (1/1)]

Reward: Investment Feature Unlocked.]

[New Passive Bonus: +10% Business Growth Rate]

☕ Later That Night

Back in his office above Fortune Brew, Henry poured himself another cup — not out of fatigue, but ritual.

Each sip was a reminder of how far he'd come.

His laptop screen displayed the finalized contract.

His first major investment.

His first step toward a national presence.

He typed a new message to Amelia:

"Big day. Secured expansion funding. Next time, you might be interviewing me as a CEO."

Her reply came instantly:

"I'll make sure to wear something professional for your first headline photo 😏."

Henry chuckled, shaking his head.

[Favorability +10%. Relationship Route Progress: 52%.]

He stood by the window, looking out at the sleeping city — neon signs blinking, the streets below alive with possibilities.

"This is just the beginning," he murmured. "Detroit was step one. The rest of America comes next."

The system chimed softly in response.

[Supreme Tycoon System Update: New Objective Unlocked.]

Objective: Expand Fortune Brew Nationwide.

Bonus Mission: Establish Corporate Headquarters.]

Henry's eyes gleamed in the reflection of the city lights.

"Supreme Tycoon System… let's build an empire."

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