Jhon felt the weight of each move as he solidified his defenses against the Midnight Consortium. He had forced them to retreat, but he knew they would come back with a vengeance. He was prepared for war, but as he sat in his penthouse that evening, he wondered how long he could continue holding them off.
While he pondered his next steps, a message from Evelyn flashed on his phone.
Evelyn: "Urgent. Consortium movement detected. They're targeting your board members to destabilize the company from within."
Jhon clenched his fists. The Consortium was relentless, but this move was bold—even for them. They were no longer operating in the shadows. Now, they were coming for his heart, trying to break apart the empire he had meticulously built.
Boardroom Intrigue
The next morning, Jhon arrived at his company headquarters. The tension in the air was palpable, and his board members had gathered, their faces filled with concern and unease. He knew the Consortium had already begun spreading dissent among them, but he had prepared for this, knowing he could trust only a handful.
Jhon: "Ladies and gentlemen, I understand some concerns have arisen. I want to assure you that the company is stronger than ever. There are forces at play trying to dismantle what we've built, but I have no intention of letting them succeed."
One of the board members, a man named Greyson, rose to speak.
Greyson: "Jhon, I've heard rumors—rumors about investigations, risks that you've exposed us to. Are you saying there's no truth to them?"
Jhon met Greyson's gaze, calm but unwavering. He knew the Consortium was likely using Greyson as a mouthpiece, but he also knew he couldn't alienate his board.
Jhon: "The rumors you're hearing are planted. If you've come to trust me over these years, then you know I would never place us in harm's way. I'll prove to each and every one of you that our position is secure."
With his allies nodding in support, Jhon felt the balance begin to tip back in his favor. He had secured his board—for now—but he needed a permanent solution to keep his empire intact.
The Power Play
The Fortune System pinged as he left the boardroom, notifying him of a new objective.
[Fortune System Notification]
"New Objective: Eliminate Internal Threats."
Reward: 20,000 Fortune Points
Skill Unlocked: Internal Loyalty Command
Internal Loyalty Command would allow Jhon to influence key figures in his organization, making them loyal to him above all else. However, it required a significant number of Fortune Points, pushing him to manage his resources strategically.
Jhon: "Alright, Fortune System. Let's see what we can do."
He activated the skill and carefully selected his targets. Greyson was the first; he knew he would have to bring him into his fold. Within hours, subtle changes began to take effect, strengthening his position with each passing moment.
A Dangerous Liaison
That night, as Jhon sat reviewing reports, Evelyn entered his office. Her gaze was intense, her expression unreadable.
Evelyn: "Jhon, I hope you understand what this war is doing to you. The Consortium is ruthless, and if you keep pushing them, they'll come after you with everything they've got."
Jhon: "I'm aware of the risks, Evelyn. But I'm not about to let them tear down everything we've worked for."
Evelyn sighed, moving closer, her voice softening.
Evelyn: "Just be careful. There's more than one way to conquer an empire."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the tension shifted, giving way to something deeper. In that fleeting second, they were no longer just allies—they were kindred spirits caught in the same battle. Evelyn placed a hand on Jhon's shoulder, and the moment hung in the air, charged with intensity.
Jhon: "Thank you, Evelyn. For everything."
Without another word, she left the room, leaving Jhon alone in the quiet, the reality of his choices settling around him.
Securing the Future
The Consortium's aggressive tactics continued, but with Internal Loyalty Command in place, Jhon's empire held firm. However, he knew this was only the beginning. The Consortium was regrouping, and it wouldn't be long before they struck again.