Will Hudson Rises To Power

Chapter 6

[Task #004 Completed!]

[You have been rewarded the sum of $500,000. It will be transferred to your account shortly.]

[You have gained +2 Charm to your Attributes.]

[Attributes]: [Intelligence]: 7/100, [Charm]: 4/100, [Charisma]: 5/100, [Confidernce]: 6/100, [Influence]: 1/100, [Reputation]: 2/100, [Combat]: 4/100.

Before William stepped out of the class, he decided to check his attributes. He noticed some noticeable progress, except for the Intelligence and Combat attributes, which he believed would improve with time.

William approached Carmen, leaning against the wall with a slight smile. He clearly understood what he was seeing... She had actually been waiting for him.

'Ahh! What have I done? I only wanted her number to get some damned money!' William shouted inwardly as he approached her, a complicated look on his face.

Carmen also tooka few steps forward, arms folded, lips pursed, not in amusement this time, but in subtle agitation. Her deep green leather jacket hugged her curves tightly, heels clicking faintly as she stepped closer.

"You got my number yesterday," she said, her tone clipped. "And yet... no call. No text."

William blinked once, then smirked. "Didn't think someone like you would be waiting."

Carmen scoffed, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "Don't flatter yourself. I just hate being ignored."

"Fair," William replied with a grin. "Maybe I was saving the best for a better moment."

Carmen eyed him at once, searching for cracks but and found none. Then she sighed and glanced at her two ever-present bodyguards in black suits, standing rigid a few feet away.

"Walk with me... Let's have coffee." she said. "Alone."

William nodded. "Sure."

They both walked out of the alley and strolled side by side, heading toward a café.

The taller of the two guards immediately stepped forward. He had clearly heard her demand for a walk alone with William.

"Miss Carmen, with all due respect, your father instructed us to remain within close perimeter..."

"I said alone," she snapped, her voice like a blade wrapped in silk. "That's a command, not a suggestion. My father isn't here. I am."

The two guards looked at each other, unsure, but ultimately backed off as Carmen spun on her heel and walked off. William followed, hands in his pockets, interest piqued.

He was clearly impressed by how she shut them down... She acted like a queen wanting to leave the palace for some fresh air.

‘She must be so sick of the overprotection. It must be affecting her private life,' William thought.

They strolled past the central fountain, away from the main faculty buildings, finally stopping at a cozy, off-campus café tucked into a shaded corner. The scent of roasted beans and cinnamon drifted from within.

"I've been here a dozen times," Carmen said. "Never without a pair of black suits breathing down my neck."

"You're full of surprises," William remarked, holding the door open for her.

"Better get used to it," he added.

When they got inside, they chose a quiet window seat. Carmen ordered a flat white. William went for an espresso. The awkward silence that often came with first dates didn't exist between them. There was tension, yes but the delicious kind.

Actually, this wasn't really a date.

"So..." Carmen leaned in slightly, propping her chin on one palm. "Where exactly does a guy like you get the kind of money to walk into class in a McLaren? Yesterday, you were just some thrift-wearing underdog. Today, you're the lead in every whispered conversation on campus."

William smirked and smiled. "Well, let's just say things turned out good in a bang." he replied.

Carmen chuckled softly. "That sounds like something Devon would say if he had imagination. But fortunately, you're not the kind of guy who'd rely on his father's arms for riches."

"I would have..." William licked his lips.

"Really? Guess your dad did good by leaving the world for you to step up. Now I'm chuffed to see you not becoming Devon Hamilton Two of Sky High University." Carmen smirked at him and took a sip.

"I hate that name being mentioned more than once," William also took a sip.

"I know... Everyone knows what he did. I'm sorry, but you really did mess up. If I were you, I'd have broken his nose that day," Carmen laughed slightly.

William couldn't help but laugh as well... Carmen really wanted to start things off with a joke about him, and to be honest, William was loving it.

Carmen stirred her drink slowly, then set the spoon down with care. "What if I told you I don't usually do this? Sneaking out without guards, spending time with mysterious guys who rise from nowhere..."

"Then I'd be flattered," William said smoothly.

She smiled, very genuine this time-no sarcasm, no armor. Just the curve of a woman intrigued beyond reason.

"You're dangerous," she shook her head. "That's what you are."

"And I'd like to be called that name... Mr. Dangerous,"

William cracked another charmer.

'Goddammit! I'm hitting her hard!' he shouted inwardly.

Carmen's cheeks flushed, her face turning red.

The two had quite a great time in the café, and for that moment, William even forgot that he had tasks to complete. But since the duration was one week, he forgot that he had tasks to complete. But since the duration was one week, he felt relaxed -at least a little.

Finally, after they'd stayed for over an hour, one of her bodyguards, who had apparently followed her in secret, stepped into the café with a stern look aimed at William, then approached Carmen.

"Miss, your father called. It's the third time he's called-I think it's important," the bodyguard said.

Carmen rolled her eyes and shook her head in slight frustration, heaving a sigh.

"Fine," she stood up, then glanced at William.

"Saturday," she said.

"What about it?" William was curious.

"You and me. An actual date. Not coffee. No distractions. No guards. Just us."

William leaned back, letting the idea sink in. "You sure you want that? Rumor has it I'm dangerous. Carmen rolled her eyes again, her lips close. "I like dangerous."

William's lips curved as he nodded and smiled. "Then I'll see you Saturday." Carmen smiled, clearly glad that he had no issues agreeing.

"Remember to call too!" she called out while her bodyguard led her away and toward her car.

"I will!" William responded without hesitation, even as she disappeared into the distance.

When her car finally zoomed off, he heaved a soft sigh of relief and stepped out of the café after making the payment.

[Infinite Wealth System Notification: Harem Feature Unlocked!]

[Affection Tracker Activated.]

[Carmen Frost's Current Affection: 29%.]

[Affection Status: Curious and Intrigued.]

[Note: Affection thresholds affect behavior, relationship growth, and potential intimacy paths.]

[New Feature: Harem Record Panel now accessible in the Host Dashboard.]

"Wait... What? Harem?" William's eyes lit up in awe.

"Since when did I say building a harem was part of my life plan?"