The Betrayed Loser's Almighty System

CHAPTER TEN-The City Board Meeting

The next morning, Ethan arrived at the City Development Board building wearing a simple but neat black suit he had bought the previous evening. He no longer looked like the broke delivery rider everyone once knew. The Dominance Aura and his rising levels made him carry himself differently — shoulders straight, gaze steady, movements purposeful.

He was ushered into a modern conference room on the 12th floor. Three officials were already waiting: Mr. Lang (the man who had called him), a middle-aged woman in a sharp blazer, and a younger man taking notes.

“Mr. Kane, thank you for coming on short notice,” Mr. Lang said with a polite smile. “We heard about your recent acquisition of the old warehouse on the east side. That area is part of our new logistics revitalization project. We’re looking for private investors who can move quickly.”

Ethan sat down, listening carefully. His Business Insight skill was already active, showing him hidden details: the project was legitimate, but there was internal pressure from bigger families (including the Sterlings and Reeds) who wanted to control the bids.

He leaned forward slightly. “What exactly do you need?”

The woman slid a folder across the table. “We need someone who can commit $300,000 within the next 10 days to secure the first phase of infrastructure upgrades. In return, you would get priority rights to develop the surrounding land and a 25% stake in the future logistics hub.”

Ethan’s Wealth Sense flared strongly. This was a massive opportunity.

He didn’t rush. “$300,000 is a lot. What’s the risk if I say yes?”

Mr. Lang hesitated, then admitted, “The Reed and Sterling families have been trying to block smaller investors. They want to take over the project themselves. If you join, you might face… resistance.”

Ethan smiled inwardly. Resistance was exactly what he wanted right now.

“I’ll do it,” he said calmly. “But I want 35% stake instead of 25%, and full control over the warehouse zone development.”

The three officials exchanged surprised glances.

The younger man spoke up. “That’s quite aggressive for a new player.”

Ethan looked at each of them, his Dominance Aura making the air feel heavier. “You need someone who can move fast and stand up to the big families. That’s me. Take it or leave it.”

After a tense silence, Mr. Lang nodded. “We’ll draw up the papers. Welcome aboard, Mr. Kane.”

As Ethan left the building with the signed preliminary agreement, the system reacted immediately.

[Major Business Deal Completed.]

[+1,500 EXP gained.]

[Level Up! You are now Level 14.]

[You have received 5 Free Attribute Points.]

[Bonus Reward: $50,000 added to balance + New Title Unlocked: Emerging Tycoon.]

Ethan felt the familiar surge of power. Level 14. He was climbing faster than ever.

He allocated the points and then tested his new Business Insight skill on the project. The system showed him hidden details — the logistics hub had real potential if developed correctly, but there were risks from the big families trying to sabotage smaller players.

For the first time, Ethan felt like he was truly building something bigger than revenge.

But as he stepped out onto the street, his phone rang. It was an unknown number.

He answered.

A smooth, dangerous voice came through. “Mr. Kane. This is Victor Sterling, Marcus’s father. You’ve been causing quite a stir lately. Slapping my son in public, investing in projects that should belong to us, acquiring land we had our eyes on. I suggest you stop while you still can.”

Ethan stopped walking, his voice cold. “Mr. Sterling, your son humiliated me. Your family tried to destroy me. I’m simply returning the favor.”

Victor chuckled darkly. “You’re playing with fire, boy. We own this city. One word from me and your little company, your warehouse, your so-called empire — it all disappears.”

Ethan’s grip tightened on the phone.

“Then I guess we’ll see whose fire burns hotter,” he replied.

He hung up.

The system immediately responded with a new mission.

[Main Mission Updated: Take Down the Sterling Family]

Task: Humiliate or financially weaken the Sterling family within 30 days.

Reward: Major EXP boost + God-tier Skill + $100,000 + Hidden Identity Fragment Level 2**

Ethan looked up at the towering buildings around him, the city stretching out like a battlefield.

The Reed family had been the first warning shot.

Now the Sterlings were coming directly.

He smiled coldly.

Let them come.

He was no longer the betrayed loser.

He was the one who would make them regret ever crossing him.

And the real game was only just beginning.