That evening, Davis returned to the city.
His phone contained three missed calls from Isabella.
He called her back.
She answered almost immediately.
"Davis! Where have you been?"
"Visiting a property."
"You disappeared for an entire afternoon."
"I didn't realize I was required to report my movements to you."
There was a brief silence.
Then Isabella laughed.
"You're impossible."
"I've been told that."
"Listen, I'm calling because I discovered something about the Meridian Consortium."
Davis sat straighter.
"What did you find?"
"My family has done business with several companies connected to the consortium. One of them recently attempted to purchase a controlling interest in a property-development firm owned by Blackwood Capital."
Davis's expression changed.
"When?"
"Three months ago. The deal never went through because the company couldn't establish contact with the legal owner."
Davis slowly leaned back.
That had been before the system awakened.
Before he reclaimed his family's estate. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
Before he purchased Sterling Tower.
Someone had been attempting to acquire his family's remaining assets.
"Do you know who was behind the offer?"
"Not yet. But I recognize the name Victor Ashford."
Davis stood.
"Tell me everything you know about him."
"Victor is a wealthy investor with a reputation for being ruthless. He rarely appears in public, but he has significant influence over several companies."
"Does he have a family?"
"Yes. His daughter is Victoria Ashford. She's one of the most influential young businesswomen in the city."
Davis remembered the system notification.
Victor Ashford.
Meridian Consortium.
His father's letter.
Everything was beginning to connect.
"Isabella, I need your help."
Her voice softened.
"What do you need?"
"I need to understand the Meridian Consortium and its connection to my family."
There was a pause.
"All right. But promise me something."
"What?"
"Don't rush into a confrontation before you understand who you're dealing with."
Davis looked toward the darkened windows.
"I promise I'll be careful."
Another silence followed.
Then Isabella spoke again.
"By the way, there's a charity gala this weekend. My family is hosting it. I would like you to attend."
"Is that a business invitation?"
"Partly."
"And the other part?"
"You'll have to come to find out."
Davis smiled.
"I'll be there."
After the call ended, he opened the system.
[NEW SOCIAL EVENT REGISTERED.]
Event: Sterling Charity Gala.
Potential Opportunities: Business alliances, reputation growth, and personal relationships.
Possible Threats: Meridian Consortium representatives may be present.
Davis shook his head.
"Even a charity gala has become a mission."
[SYSTEM RESPONSE: THE HOST IS FREE TO DECLINE.]
Davis laughed.
"Not a chance."
He had a feeling the gala would be far more interesting than a room full of wealthy people exchanging polite smiles.
Especially if Victor Ashford's daughter attended.