The moment Robert agreed to listen with me, a strange wave of relief washes over me. This is not a full victory yet, but it's already a solid start. I settle back into the booth and make myself comfortable. I let the hum of the diner fill the space between us. For a while, Robert's eyes wander while studying anything around us but me. I can tell his mind is spinning. Maybe he's trying to figure out if I'm still scamming him or if this is a real opportunity I'm offering him.I need to be careful here. He is fragile in a way. But I'm not trying to exploit that. I sincerely want to offer him something that can benefit us both. I had the capital and Robert had the brains. If we work together, we can turn things around.I glance around the diner for a moment and make sure we are not being overheard by anyone who might be interested in our conversation. The clinking of silverware and the soft chattering of other customers inside is the only sound that fills the room. I take a deep breath a

The next day, I find myself sitting in a quiet corner of a local cafe near the park. I am sipping my coffee and watching the door like a hawk. Last night, I sent Robert a message telling him to meet me here to discuss the business plans I'd crafted. A part of me is nervous right now. There's always this weight on me when it comes to Robert. Although I can see his stats, he is still a person with his own decision. It's only natural that he can still become so unpredictable to me. That's more reason for me not to screw this up.As I wait, I try to focus on the plan. I've got it all laid out last night with the help of the system. Basically it's all about an app, some investments, and the angle of incorporating our talents in tech and marketing. Still, I need to see Robert first and discuss these things more in person with him. None of these plans matter if Robert can't get past his personal demons.I don't know what changed in him during that call yesterday but his trust level shot up

We sit in the quiet aftermath of the conversation with the air heavy with the weight of the events that just unfolded. But soon, I let out a slow breath and leans back in my chair. "So..." I started. "We've both survived the storm. But now it's time to get down to business."Robert straightens up a little and suddenly becomes alert. His hands grip the edge of the table and I can see the energy shifting in him again. He suddenly looks focused."Y-You're right." Robert said. "What you said to me yesterday has been on my mind a lot. I am prepared to start again, Mr. Chandler. I want to contribute. I don't want to just be a partner in name. I want to help build something real."I can't help but smile at his determination. For all the quietness and hesitation he'd shown when I first met him, he's grown in ways I hadn’t expected. Maybe there's more to Robert than I originally thought."Alright." I said. "We'll need all hands on deck. Not just anybody will do to join me. I need someone who

I step into my apartment and hear the door clicking sound shutting behind me. The hum of the city outside is nowvdistant to my ears as I kick off my shoes. The weight of Victor Donnelly's presence lingers in my mind like a heavy fog. There is something about him that sets my senses on edge. But tonight, he's also a key for me to finish my new quest.I take a seat at my desk and flicks the lamp on beside me. The soft glow from it is illuminating the mess of papers and notes scattering on my desk. I am now taking notes how can I get the shares that Victor owns.The initial challenge is Victor's shares. Once I can get him out and owns his shares, the rest of New Leaf will follow like a house of cards waiting to collapse. But I can't rush this. I will need a good leverage. I need something powerful enough to make Victor believe parting with his stake is his only option.The blue screen flickers to life before me again. It's reminding me of the quest I've yet to complete. I glance at it

I glance at my watch as I step into the store. The store was nothing special. It's just a boutique in the heart of the city that caters to professionals who wants a professionally made tailored suits and accessories without the hassle of custom orders. I had scouted the place earlier and discovered Victor Donnelly comes here every few months. He also have a pattern. And thanks to Robert's intel, I had his latest purchases and preferences.The faint scent of polished wood inside the store and its new merchandise is filling the air. My eyes scan the aisles to pretend that I'm also shopping here. My real goal here is Victor Donnelly, the man who stands in the way of my plans and doesn't even know it yet.Today is my turn to 'accidentally' run into him.It wasn't long before I finally spotted him at the far end of the store and speaking to an employee with the kind of aloof authority that came naturally to men like him. Victor Donnelly is not just acting like he owned the place. He is a