Black Tower — War Room, 6:06 AM
The Santiago contract sat unsigned.
Next to it? A printed press release from Tasha, headlining her "business past" with Damon Black — full of lies and half-truths.
Nova paced. "Sign the marriage. Shut Vera down before she flips. Or crush Tasha first. You can't hold both."
Zeke: "We've got more problems coming."
Damon didn't move.
He tapped the table. Slowly.
Then looked up.
"We handle the game like I play the field —
One pass ahead, one break away, and always…
on goal."
System Alert: Empire Split Imminent
You're balancing criminal retaliation, social pressure, romantic warfare, FBI investigation, and academic demands.
New Feature Unlocked: "Empire Mind – Tier I"
→ Increases multitasking efficiency
→ Reduces stress penalties
→ Buffs strategic thinking under emotional pressure
Next Milestone: Win public match while under threat = +15% Global Influence Spike
St. Monarch University — Campus Soccer Arena
First public match. Stands filled with students, athletes, scouts, influencers, and even silent investors.
Damon walked onto the field — headphones in, jaw tight, new cleats laced tight by a designer sponsor that doesn't even exist publicly yet.
Arielle Vaughn stood on the sideline, arms folded, expression unreadable.
The opposing captain smirked. "You're just a pretty face with money."
Damon didn't respond.
He let the game speak.
First Half:
– One assist.
– One diving header goal.
– Two defenders faked so hard they stumbled off the field.
Second Half:
– Corner kick curves directly into the net — announcer called it "witchcraft."
– Game-winner in the final minute: solo run through four defenders, no words, just silence.
The crowd erupted.
System Alert: Academic-Athletic Performance Maxed
Status: Campus God
– Public Admiration Spike
– Coach submits nomination for national competition
– Influencer offers brand deal
– Elite scout registers interest for semi-pro trial invite
New Love Interest Alert: Camila Dray
– Brazilian exchange student. Track star. Outspoken. Loves competition.
– Flags: Rival Energy | Sharp Tongue | "Impossible to Impress"
– Initial Rating:
→ Attraction: 61%
→ Respect: 49%
→ Loyalty: 0%
"He runs the world, but can he outrun me?"
After the Game — Locker Room
Arielle stepped inside without knocking.
Hair damp. Hoodie zipped. Clipboard in hand.
She dropped it on the bench.
"You're not just good. You're not just smart."
"You're… terrifying."
Damon looked up. No smile.
"You scared?"
"No," she said. "I'm awake. And watching."
Back at Black Tower — That Night
A courier delivered a new message.
No signature.
Inside the envelope?
Photos of Damon's mother's old apartment.
And the words:
"Blood started there. It will end there."
Virelli had just made it personal.