Chapter 33 - Striking Back
Back in his office, Jack paces the floor, his mind racing. Derek's words echo in his mind – a warning and a threat wrapped in one. Derek is coming for him, and Jack can't afford to sit back and wait for the attack.
[Mission Update: Counter Derek's attack on your assets. Progress: 0%]
Chris enters, a stack of documents in hand. "I've been digging into Derek's holdings. He's leveraged to the neck in risky investments – real estate, crypto, and a failing tech startup."
Jack smirks. "Perfect. If we hit him where it hurts, we can force him to back off."
"But that's not all," Chris says, sliding a file across the desk. "Derek's been buying up shares of the convenience store chain – through a shell company. If he manages to secure more than 30%, he could launch a hostile takeover."
Jack's expression darkens. "So that's his game."
[New Mission Unlocked: Prevent Derek's hostile takeover. Reward: Corporate Strategy Lv. 1.]
Jack clenches his fist. "Get Mia in here. We need to know exactly how much Derek owns and who else is working with him."
Moments later, Mia enters the office. She's carrying her laptop and a determined expression. "You called?"
"I need you to dig into the shell company Derek's using," Jack says. "Find out who the shareholders are and how much of the store chain he's already bought."
Mia nods, pulling out her laptop. "Give me an hour."
Jack turns to Chris. "In the meantime, I want you to start buying up shares. Quietly. If we can outmaneuver Derek, we can crush his takeover attempt before it even starts."
Chris nods. "Understood."
As Mia works, Jack steps out onto the balcony, staring out over the city. The skyline glitters beneath the setting sun, each light a symbol of opportunity – or a threat.
[Mission Update: Prevent Derek's hostile takeover. Progress: 30%]
The phone rings. It's an unknown number. Jack answers, his voice sharp. "Who is this?"
"Jack Carter," a deep, smooth voice says. "You're in over your head."
Jack's jaw tightens. "Derek."
Derek laughs, the sound cold and mocking. "You think you're smart, don't you? Recording me, blackmailing Leonard... but you don't know how deep this game goes."
"Oh, I know exactly how deep it goes," Jack says, his voice icy. "And I'm going to bury you in it."
Derek chuckles. "You're welcome to try. But by the time I'm done, you'll be begging for mercy."
The line goes dead.
Jack lowers the phone, his eyes blazing with fury.
[New Mission Unlocked: Uncover Derek's true backers. Reward: Insider Intelligence Lv. 1.]
Mia rushes in, her face pale. "Jack, you're going to want to see this."
She spins the laptop around. On the screen are a list of shareholders – all under the shell company Derek is using. But one name stands out: Lisa Thompson.
Jack's heart pounds. "Lisa... she's in on this too?"
Mia nods grimly. "And she's been buying up shares using the money she got from the divorce settlement."
Jack slams his fist down on the desk, the force echoing through the room. "They want a war? Fine. Let's give them one."