Chapter 14 – A Game of Power and Money

Leon Carter stepped out of Hudson Steakhouse, his sharp mind still processing every detail of the conversation with Robert Langford.

The seasoned businessman had tried to intimidate him, subtly reminding him of the vast power imbalance between them.

But Leon wasn't the type to be scared off.

Langford saw him as a small fish trying to swim in an ocean of sharks.

What he didn't realize was that Leon had no plans to stay a fish—he intended to become the ocean itself.

As he walked through the lively city streets, the neon reflections dancing in his eyes, his mind went to the numbers.

The Financial System had catapulted him from a struggling university graduate into a rising force in the business world.

His latest net worth breakdown was impressive:

 Cash on Hand: $72,000

 Investments:

• AI Startup Shares: $100,000

• Stock Portfolio: $50,000

• Profits from Real Estate Flip: $12,000

• Other Assets: $10,000

At just 23 years old, he was sitting on a net worth of $244,000.

A month ago, he had nothing.

But now, he had something far more valuable than money—momentum.

Yet, momentum attracts opposition.

And Langford had noticed him.

Leon knew how powerful men operated. They didn't like competition.

Langford wasn't just warning him—he was making a move.

The Next Big Play – Titan Ledger

Sitting in his apartment, Leon opened the Financial System's interface.

The next big target had already been identified:

 Titan Ledger – A Blockchain Security Company

• Projected ROI: 5x-10x

• Pre-ICO Stage – Private Investment Opportunity

Blockchain security was the next frontier in finance. It was only a matter of time before global banks adopted this tech.

If Titan Ledger succeeded, his investment could skyrocket.

Leon clicked CONFIRM and funneled $20,000 into Titan Ledger's ICO.

• New Investment: $20,000

• Cash on Hand After Investment: $52,000

"Another calculated move," he muttered, leaning back in his chair.

His path was clear—keep reinvesting, keep growing, and keep winning.

But just as he relaxed, his phone rang.

Langford's First Move – Cutting Off Leon's Funding

Sarah Coleman, one of the best financial advisors he had worked with, was on the other end.

Her voice carried urgency.

"Leon, we have a problem."

Leon sat up. "What kind of problem?"

"Your loan applications for new properties? They've been denied."

Leon frowned. "All of them?"

"Every single one," Sarah confirmed. "And multiple lenders have flagged your profile. You're now classified as a high-risk borrower."

That made no sense.

Leon's credit score was excellent. His first real estate flip had been profitable. He had zero debt.

This wasn't about financial risk.

It was about power.

"Langford," Leon said flatly.

Sarah hesitated before sighing. "It's not official, but… yeah. He's pulling strings behind the scenes."

Leon exhaled slowly.

"So, he's trying to box me in."

Sarah's tone was serious. "Leon, you're fighting a titan. Be careful."

Leon smirked.

"I don't fight fair, Sarah. I fight smart."

Plan B – Private Investors

Langford's strategy was simple:

Cut off Leon's financing, force him to stay small.

But Leon wasn't limited to bank loans.

• Hard Money Lenders – Risky but Quick

• Angel Investors – The Right One Could Change Everything

As he weighed his options, his phone buzzed again.

An unknown number.

A single text message:

"I hear Langford is causing you trouble. If you want an alternative, meet me at Falcon Lounge, 9 PM. - M.W."

Leon's eyebrows raised slightly.

M.W.?

Whoever it was, knew about Langford.

That meant they were either a threat or an opportunity.

He checked his watch. 8:30 PM.

Time to find out.

The Meeting – Enter Matthew Whitmore

The Falcon Lounge was a high-end rooftop bar, the kind of place where deals worth millions happened in whispers.

Leon entered, scanning the crowd.

At a private table, a well-dressed man in his 40s sipped a glass of whiskey. His tailored suit and measured confidence suggested one thing: power.

The man stood as Leon approached.

"Leon Carter," he said, extending a hand. "I've been watching you."

Leon shook his hand firmly. "I'm listening."

Whitmore gestured for him to sit.

"Langford is trying to cut you off. But what he doesn't realize is—he's not the only player in this city."

Leon leaned forward slightly.

"And you are?"

Whitmore smirked.

"I represent a group of investors tired of Langford's monopoly. We want someone new in the game. Someone hungry. And from what I've seen—you fit the bill."

Leon's expression remained unreadable.

"You're offering funding?"

Whitmore nodded.

"Not just funding. Strategic backing. Connections. Protection. You need capital to grow? We can provide it. But in return, we expect one thing—growth."

Leon tapped his fingers on the table.

"And if I refuse?"

Whitmore's smirk widened.

"Then you keep fighting Langford alone. But let's be honest—why fight with one hand tied behind your back?"

Leon's mind raced.

This wasn't just about money. This was about alliances.

Langford had blocked traditional financing, but Whitmore's investors could give him an edge even Langford wouldn't expect.

Leon narrowed his eyes.

"How much are we talking?"

Whitmore sipped his whiskey.

"Depends on what you need. A few million, if you play it right."

Leon exhaled slowly.

This was dangerous territory.

But then again…

He had never been afraid of taking risks.

"Alright," Leon said finally. "Let's talk business."

Whitmore's smirk widened.

Game on.