The next morning, Leo was in his private office on the top floor of Morgan Real Estate, reviewing the final version of the city center redevelopment proposal. Every detail had been polished to perfection: affordable housing, green energy systems, public parks, medical clinics, and thousands of new jobs for local residents. It was not just a business plan—it was a promise to transform the entire city.
Kane knocked softly and entered, holding a sealed envelope with a golden crest.
"Sir, this was delivered by hand five minutes ago," he said, handing it over. "No return address. The messenger only said it was an invitation you would not want to refuse."
Leo opened the envelope and pulled out a black card with silver lettering. The message was short and mysterious.
"Tonight. 11 PM. Abandoned steel factory on the east side. Come alone. An opportunity worth billions awaits."
His eyes narrowed slightly. This was clearly no ordinary invitation. The east side steel factory had been closed for years, a dark, abandoned building known only for underground meetings and secret deals. Whoever had sent it was powerful, cautious, and willing to meet outside the law.
"Is this a trap?" Kane asked, his expression alert. "I can arrange security to accompany you."
Leo shook his head, a faint, confident smile on his face. "No traps. Only people who think they can control me. Tell the team to continue preparing the bid. I'll be back before midnight."
He could feel the system hum softly in his mind, as if it too sensed the coming storm.
[Ding!][Detected high-level secret invitation.Hidden quest unlocked: Attend the underground auction.Discover the true power behind the city's economy.Difficulty: High.Rewards: Ancient Industry Title, $300 million cash, connection to the top consortium.]
Leo's curiosity was piqued. Whatever was happening tonight, it would change the game entirely.
That evening, he left his penthouse in an ordinary black sedan, no entourage, no obvious signs of wealth. He arrived at the factory exactly at 11 PM. The building loomed in the darkness, rusted and broken, but inside, the atmosphere was completely different.
Bright lights illuminated a large hall. Dozens of men and women in expensive tailored suits stood around, sipping champagne, their faces cold and calculating. Every single one of them was a billionaire, a corporate tycoon, or a member of the city's old elite. These were the people who truly controlled politics, business, and money behind the scenes.
When Leo walked in, the room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at him, their eyes filled with surprise, contempt, and curiosity. A young, self-made nobody had crashed the most exclusive secret meeting in the city.
An older man with a white beard stepped forward, exuding authority. He was clearly the host.
"Leo Carter," he said, his voice deep and steady. "I am Roland, the leader of the Emerald Consortium. You've made quite a name for yourself in a very short time. Taking over Morgan Real Estate, challenging Blackstone… bold moves for a beginner."
"I'm not here for compliments," Leo said calmly. "What is this auction? What are you selling?"
Roland smiled faintly and gestured toward a covered platform in the center of the room.
"The city center redevelopment project," he said. "Officially, it is a government bid. Unofficially? It belongs to us. We decide who wins, who loses, and who gets crushed. Blackstone has already begged us for support. Now we want to see if you are worthy."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. This was the real battle—not in boardrooms, but in the shadows.
"The rules are simple," Roland continued. "The minimum bid is $200 million. The winner receives our full backing. The government will accept your bid automatically. The loser… leaves the city forever."
A man from Blackstone stood up, staring at Leo with hatred.
"This is absurd!" he shouted. "You let a child into our world? He has no idea what he's dealing with!"
Leo ignored him and stepped forward, his voice cold and clear.
"I bid $500 million."
The entire room exploded in shock.No one had expected such a reckless, overwhelming offer.
Roland's eyes widened slightly, then he began to laugh, a deep, approving sound.
"Bold! Fearless! Exactly what this city needs!" he exclaimed. "The Emerald Consortium does not just choose wealth. We choose vision. You have more courage than every man in this room combined."
He raised a hand, silencing the crowd.
"The auction is over. Leo Carter is the winner. The consortium will support your bid. The city center project is yours."
The Blackstone representative collapsed back into his seat, pale and defeated.
Leo's expression did not change. He had not come to beg for power. He had come to take it.
[Ding!][Hidden quest completed!][Host has won the underground auction and gained the support of the Emerald Consortium.][Rewards unlocked:][$300 million cash deposited!][Ancient Industry Title acquired!][All political and business resistance in the city has been removed!]
Roland stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"You have great potential, Mr. Carter. Do not waste it. The consortium will be watching. And next time, we will offer you a seat at our table."
Leo nodded slightly. "I look forward to it."
He turned and walked out of the factory without looking back, leaving the stunned billionaires behind.
Outside, the night air felt fresh and clean.He had just conquered the true rulers of the city.
When he returned to his penthouse, Kane was waiting, full of anticipation.
"Sir, did everything—"
Leo cut him off with a calm smile.
"Everything is handled," he said. "The city center project is ours. No more obstacles. No more rivals. No more games."
He walked to the window and looked out at the skyline he would soon reshape.
Blackstone.The Morgans.The old elite.
They had all thought they could break him.Instead, he had broken them.
[Ding!][Main quest progress updated: 100% ready.][The government bid will be announced in three days.The world will watch the rise of Leo Carter.]
Leo's eyes glinted with quiet ambition.The real empire was only just beginning.