Chapter 31 - Uncovering the Plot
Jack sits in his office, staring at the ceiling. The images of Leonard and Derek together play over and over in his mind like a haunting reel. The mere thought of Leonard betraying him after all the work he put in to save the convenience store chain is infuriating.
[Mission Update: Monitor Leonard's activities. Progress: 90%]
Chris bursts through the door, a grim look on his face. "Got something. My contact at the club managed to overhear some of the conversation."
Jack sits up, eyes sharp. "What did they say?"
"Derek offered Leonard a way out," Chris says, tossing a USB drive onto Jack's desk. "And Leonard seemed interested. He's planning to sell the remaining shares of the convenience store chain to Derek for a quick payout."
Jack clenches his fists. "That backstabbing snake. I gave him a way to keep his company afloat, and he goes crawling to Derek?"
"Derek promised him a bigger payday," Chris says. "And Leonard's desperate."
Jack takes a deep breath, forcing himself to think. "What's the timeline?"
"Derek's setting up the deal tomorrow night," Chris says. "At the same club."
Jack stands, his expression cold as ice. "Then we're going to crash that party."
[Mission Update: Protect your investment in the convenience store chain. Reward: Financial Acquisition Lv. 1.]
Later that evening, Jack calls Mia into his office. She steps in, eyes wary. "You wanted to see me?"
"You're good with tech," Jack says, sliding the USB drive across the desk. "I need you to decrypt this."
Mia raises an eyebrow. "What's on it?"
"Proof of Leonard's betrayal," Jack says. "And possibly more."
Mia nods, pocketing the drive. "I'll get it done."
As she leaves, the system chimes in:
[Warning: Leonard and Derek have accelerated their plans. Act quickly.]
Jack grits his teeth, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Chris, get the car. We're going to the club."
At the club, the atmosphere is tense. Jack and Chris slip into a private booth, eyes scanning the room. At the far end, they spot Leonard and Derek, drinks in hand, laughing as if they own the world.
"There they are," Chris mutters. "What's the play?"
"Wait for Mia's signal," Jack says, his eyes never leaving the pair. "If she finds what I think she will, Leonard's about to lose a lot more than just his shares."
The phone buzzes. It's Mia.
"Got it," she says. "Sending the files to you now. You're going to want to see this."
Jack opens the files, his eyes widening as he scans the contents. "Oh, Leonard. You just signed your death warrant."
[Mission Completed: Monitor Leonard's activities. Reward: Information Network Lv. 1.]
"Chris," Jack says, his voice a low growl. "Let's pay them a visit."