Chapter 20 - New Mission Unlocked
Jack sits in the café, sipping his coffee as he watches the bakery across the street. Emily is hard at work, her brow furrowed as she kneads dough. Despite the recent sabotage from Derek, business is slowly picking up.
[Mission Update: Sabotage Derek's loan application. Progress: 70%]
Jack's phone buzzes. It's Kevin. "Hey, you were right. Derek went to a loan shark. And get this – the guy he borrowed from? Known for enforcing debts with... extreme methods."
Jack's lips curl into a dark grin. "Perfect. Let's make sure that loan shark gets all the information he needs."
[Mission Completed: Sabotage Derek's loan application. Reward: Reputation Boost Lv. 1.]
Jack feels a surge of confidence as the system's Reputation Boost skill kicks in. He stands taller, his presence more commanding. People in the café glance at him, their eyes lingering longer than usual.
[New Mission Unlocked: Expose the rival's schemes publicly. Reward: Advanced Negotiation Lv. 1.]
Jack taps his fingers against the table, thinking. "If Derek's reputation tanks, his entire business will crumble. But I need to be smart about this."
Chris walks in, his face flushed with excitement. "Jack, you need to see this."
He hands Jack a newspaper. On the front page, there's a headline: "Local Businessman Accused of Financial Misconduct – Loans, Lies, and Scandals."
Jack raises an eyebrow. "Derek's already making headlines?"
Chris nods. "And it's not just the loan shark. A few of his old business partners are coming forward, claiming he never paid them back."
Jack leans back, a satisfied smirk spreading across his face. "Good. Let them bury him."
[Mission Update: Gather more evidence to deliver the final blow. Time remaining: 5 days.]