Chapter 36 - The Alliance
After the board meeting, Jack exits the conference room, his mind racing with strategies. Chris and Mia follow closely behind, their expressions tense.
"That was a bold move, Jack," Chris says, falling in step beside him. "You just declared war against Lisa and Derek in front of the entire board."
"I had no choice," Jack replies, jaw clenched. "If I hadn't exposed Lisa, they would have blindsided us."
Mia glances around, lowering her voice. "You do realize Lisa is going to retaliate. She's got Horizon Holdings behind her. That's serious money."
"I know," Jack says, eyes steely. "Which is why we need to strike first."
[Mission Unlocked: Forge a Strategic Alliance. Reward: Asset Acquisition Lv. 1.]
"An alliance?" Chris asks, brow furrowed. "With who?"
Jack smirks. "With the people Derek and Lisa have wronged."
---
Hours later, Jack, Chris, and Mia sit in a high-end restaurant, waiting. The room is filled with the scent of grilled steak and expensive wine. Finally, the door opens, and a man in his late forties steps in – Alex Grant, a former business partner of Derek's who was pushed out of his own company in a hostile takeover.
"Jack Carter," Alex says, sliding into the booth. "You've got some nerve calling me after all these years."
Jack leans forward, locking eyes with Alex. "I know what Derek did to you. And I know he's going to do the same to me – unless we stop him."
Alex chuckles bitterly. "You think you can stop Derek? He's got Lisa and Horizon Holdings backing him now. You're outmatched."
"Not if we work together," Jack says, pulling out a folder and placing it on the table. "These are the assets Derek acquired from you – the ones he stole by manipulating your shareholders. I can help you get them back."
Alex's eyes flick to the folder, interest piqued. "How?"
"I have insider information," Jack says, lowering his voice. "I know what Derek is planning next. And with your resources and my strategy, we can take back everything he stole – and more."
Alex leans back, studying Jack carefully. "You're serious."
"Deadly serious," Jack says. "Derek has no loyalty to anyone. The second he's done with Lisa, he'll throw her under the bus too. We can use that against him."
Alex is silent for a moment. Then, he extends his hand. "You've got a deal."
[Mission Update: Forge a Strategic Alliance. Progress: 50%]
As they shake hands, Jack feels a surge of adrenaline. The pieces are starting to come together. But the real battle is just beginning.