Her signature’s worth millions

Nathan's head was pounding like someone was playing drums in his skull.

Last night felt like some drunk fever dream—bar fight, sleeping on the sidewalk, and that weird floating screen talking about "Harem Tycoon System."

He groaned and rubbed his face, still lying on the cold tiled floor of his tiny apartment. The ceiling fan spun lazily overhead like it was dying. His fridge buzzed loudly. A cockroach stood on the kitchen counter, staring at him like it owned the lease.

And then—

Ding.

That same blue screen blinked into view again.

[SYSTEM ONLINE.]

[First Target: Evelyn Moreau – CEO of Veritas Luxe Holdings]

[Status: Cold. Divorced. Emotionally guarded. Dangerous.]

[Mission: Secure her as a strategic conquest. Gain access to luxury network, improve reputation, and connect to $60M in assets.]

[System Reward: Confidence Boost I (Passive), Unlock: Seduction & Negotiation Skill Tree]

[Objective: Get her to sign your consulting proposal. Use any means.]

Nathan squinted at the last part. "...Any means?"

The screen flickered a bit.

[Any.]

Nathan pushed himself up, groaning. "Well... I always liked the icy ones."

Downtown – Later That Day

Veritas Luxe Holdings looked like it belonged to royalty. The building was all glass and shine, like a giant rich-person trophy.

Nathan stood outside, wearing the same clothes from yesterday and a splash of cologne he borrowed from his neighbor. He looked rough, but he didn't let it shake him.

In his hand was a thin folder. His proposal. A new logistics plan that could save Evelyn's hotel chain serious money. It was risky. Bold. But if she said yes—it could be his way back into the game.

If she laughed at him?

Well… wouldn't be the first time.

He stepped inside.

The receptionist looked up and gave him a long, annoyed once-over. "Do you have an appointment?"

"Tell Evelyn Moreau that Nathan Cole is here."

She frowned. "And… who are you to her?"

"Just say I once made a hedge fund guy cry in a pitch meeting. She'll remember."

Fifteen Minutes Later – Executive Floor

They led him to an office that looked like it came from a magazine. Marble walls, black furniture, and silence that made your thoughts feel loud.

Then he saw her.

Evelyn Moreau.

Wearing a black suit that looked expensive and dangerous. Red lipstick, perfect blonde bob, and eyes that looked like they could slice a man in half.

"Nathan," she said like she just tasted something bitter. "I thought you were in jail. Or drunk in a ditch."

He smirked. "Still as sweet as ever, I see."

"You're wasting my time."

"Then let me give you something worth it."

He placed the folder down in front of her, like a poker player going all in.

She didn't even touch it at first. "I'm not hiring. Especially not losers who burned out three years ago."

"This isn't about a job," Nathan said, steady. "It's about numbers. You're trying to cut costs in your hotels. My plan saves you twelve percent in less than a year."

She raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow. "And you figured all this out while blackout drunk on the sidewalk?"

"I figured it out because I had nothing else to lose."

Something changed in her face. Small. A flicker.

She opened the folder.

Ten seconds. Twenty. Thirty.

Finally, she leaned back, arms crossed.

"These numbers look solid. If they're not fake."

"They're not."

"Even if they're real… you're a risk. I don't do risks unless they bring something extra."

Nathan tilted his head. "Like what?"

She leaned in, smiling but not kindly. "Charm me. Impress me. Do something to prove you're not just another desperate man in a suit."

Ding.

[SYSTEM PROMPT: Persuasion Challenge Initiated]

[Seduction Skill Lv. 1 Activated – Passive]

[Bonus: Past Connection – Evelyn remembers your wit (+5%)]

Nathan took a step closer, slowly.

"I could list out why my plan is better than your current consultants. But I'd rather say something else."

"Which is?"

He leaned down slightly.

"That this city is full of men who want to screw you, buy you, or beat you. But I'm the only one who looks at you and sees a power play."

She blinked. Just once. But it was enough.

"I don't want you, Evelyn," he added. "I want what you want. Control."

The air changed.

And then—

She smiled. Just a little.

"Sit down, Mr. Cole. Let's talk numbers."

[System Update]

[Target Interest: Sparked (+1)]

[Skill Unlocked: Silver Tongue Lv. 1]

[+250 Tycoon Points Earned]

Nathan walked out of the building about an hour later.

No contract yet. But a verbal agreement.

And a wine tasting tomorrow night in some luxury penthouse.

It was progress.

It felt like… something was finally changing. Not just in the system. But inside him too.

He could feel it.

The switch flipping.

But tomorrow wouldn't be easy.

Because he wasn't the only one invited.

And not every fight was a business meeting.

Some of them were… something else.