Chapter 16 - Emily's Dilemma
Jack strolls down the street, his mind replaying his conversation with Emily. There's potential in that bakery – he knows it. But he also knows that predatory lenders won't back off easily.
As he approaches the bakery, he spots Emily standing outside, her shoulders slumped and eyes downcast. The bakery's windows are empty, the 'Closed' sign hanging limply.
"Emily," Jack calls out, stepping closer.
She jumps, her eyes red. "Jack? What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk business. Is now a bad time?"
Emily swallows, glancing back at the bakery. "I just got off the phone with the lender. They're demanding full payment by the end of the month, or they'll seize everything."
Jack crosses his arms. "How much exactly?"
"Ten thousand dollars," Emily says, her voice shaking. "I don't have that kind of money, and even if I did, I can't make the bakery profitable fast enough."
[New Mission Unlocked: Acquire the bakery. Negotiate favorable terms. Reward: Financial Forecasting Lv. 1.]
Jack takes a deep breath, feeling the system's prompt pulse in his mind. "What if I could pay it off?"
Emily's eyes widen. "You'd do that?"
"Not for free," Jack says, his gaze firm. "You'll have to sign over 60% of the bakery's shares to me."
Emily flinches. "60%? That's... that's a lot."
"Think about it," Jack says smoothly. "You keep 40% and stay on as the face of the bakery. I handle the business, the marketing, the finances. Together, we can turn this place around."
Emily bites her lip, her eyes glistening. "I... I need time to think."
Jack hands her his card. "You have until tomorrow. After that, I walk."
He turns and walks away, his mind already plotting his next move. Behind him, Emily stands frozen, clutching the card as if it were her last lifeline.