I couldn't sleep.
The system had messed with my mind, kept me up with its constant notifications. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the text flashing before me.
[Seduce and Conquer a MILF]
I tried to shake it off, but every second felt like I was sinking deeper into something I didn't understand.
Who the hell did the system think I was? A guy like me doesn't seduce anyone. Not rich women. Not powerful women. Not any women.
But there it was, blinking on my phone screen: the mission, the target, the reward.
I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, staring at my reflection. The guy looking back at me was... pathetic. Skinny. Unkempt. A guy who couldn't even talk to women without stammering.
How the hell was I supposed to seduce her?
Sofia Aldridge
The name echoed in my mind again. Sofia Aldridge. She was everything I wasn't. Beautiful. Powerful. One of the top businesswomen in the city. I'd seen her at galas and events, surrounded by men who looked like they were born for this. I'd always admired her from the shadows, but there was no way she'd even notice a guy like me.
The system promised me skills. Confidence. But could it really make a difference?
I swallowed, staring at myself.
"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. If I was going to do this, I needed to at least act like I had a chance.
The next morning, I found myself standing outside a high-end restaurant, watching the women in their tailored suits and perfect makeup walk past me like I wasn't even there. Sofia Aldridge's restaurant was known to cater to the elite, business magnates, celebrities, the kind of people I'd never been around.
I checked my phone.
[Ding! Mission: Conquer Sofia Aldridge]
[Time Limit: 6 Days, 23 Hours, 57 Minutes]
[Failure Penalty: -10 Charisma + Erectile Dysfunction (Temporary)]
[Mission Tip: Approach with confidence. Utilize your charm.]
"Confidence," I muttered, looking down at my wrinkled shirt. "Yeah, right."
I walked in, but the moment I stepped inside, the air changed. The low hum of conversation. The clink of glasses. It was like a different world. A world where people knew exactly who they were and didn't question their place in it.
I felt like an outsider.
My heart hammered in my chest as I scanned the room, trying to locate Sofia. Then, I saw her, sitting in a secluded booth, surrounded by a few other people. She was wearing a deep red dress that clung to her curves, her hair perfectly styled, her posture confident, regal.
It was like she belonged here. Like she ruled this place.
My palms were sweating. I stood frozen for a moment, the system's words echoing in my mind: Utilize your charm.
I couldn't just stand there. I had to approach her.
But I didn't know how.
I took a deep breath and approached the hostess, who was eyeing me up and down like I didn't belong here.
"Can I help you?" she asked, her voice cold.
"Uh, I'm... I'm here to meet Ms. Aldridge. I... I'm a friend," I stammered, feeling stupid the second the words left my mouth.
The hostess raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Do you have an appointment?"
I panicked. "Uh, no... but she'll recognize me. I— I used to work for her. At her company."
Lying. I didn't care.
She looked me up and down one more time before nodding. "Fine. Follow me."
I followed her through the restaurant, my heart pounding in my chest, every step a battle to keep my body from betraying me. My legs felt like lead, but I pushed forward, determined not to back out now. The hostess led me to a back room where Sofia was seated, a few people around her talking quietly.
When she saw me, she raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her eyes scanning me for a moment.
"Can I help you?" she asked, her voice low and smooth, but not welcoming.
I froze, the words clogging in my throat.
Confidence. Charm.
I swallowed hard and stepped forward, praying my voice wouldn't crack. "Ms. Aldridge... it's me. Jake. I— uh... I used to be one of your assistants, back at the office."
Her eyes narrowed, her gaze scanning me again. I felt small, but I couldn't back down.
"You don't look familiar," she said, studying me with a sharp gaze. "And I'm not sure why you're interrupting my lunch. Do you have an appointment?"
I nearly choked. "No, I— I didn't think I needed one... but I... I wanted to talk. About an opportunity. A new business venture."
"Business?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly uninterested.
"Yeah," I stammered. "I have an idea I think could benefit you. I— I just need a chance to pitch it."
I could feel the pressure building in my chest, my breath coming in short, shaky bursts. But then something unexpected happened. The system's voice echoed in my head.
[Ding! Charisma Skill Activated]
A warmth spread through my chest, and I suddenly felt different. Confident. Like the words I spoke actually had weight.
I took another step forward, this time with more purpose. "It's an investment opportunity, something that could benefit both of us. I know you're always looking for new ventures, and I have access to something you won't find anywhere else."
I watched as Sofia's face shifted, just slightly, the tiniest flicker of curiosity. She put down her wine glass and leaned back in her chair.
"Go on," she said, her tone a little softer now.
I could feel my heart racing again. I had her attention. That was all I needed.
But it wasn't enough.
I still had to conquer her. And if I failed?
I'd face the penalties.