The glass door opened, and a woman emerged with composed poise, carrying a folder in her hand. She appeared to be in her early forties, tall and self-assured. Her hair was neatly styled into a sleek bun, complementing the tailored precision of her navy-blue suit.
Surveying the surroundings, her eyes immediately recognized Jason, and she addressed him in a calm, measured tone:
"Mr. Jason, the manager is ready to see you now."
Jason noted to himself, 'She is not the manager... Hmph.'
He rose from his seat with composure and followed her through the frosted glass door into the office.
The office was spacious and tastefully appointed, featuring cream-colored walls and a large window that overlooked Crestwood's central business district. A polished desk was positioned against the far wall, with two chairs arranged in front of it. Behind the desk stood a woman who projected both firmness and approachability.
She smiled as she observed Jason's entrance, then rose to greet him.
"Mr. Jason, welcome," she said, extending her hand. "I am Melissa Grant, the branch manager. Please, have a seat."
Jason shook her hand before sitting down, adjusting his cuffs with quiet confidence.
Melissa took her seat opposite him and opened a folder that had been prepared on the table.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice. I assume the message you received from our office was somewhat vague."
"Indeed," Jason responded evenly. "But I presumed this concerns the recent deposit, correct?"
A brief spark of interest crossed her face.
"You were correct in your assumption. To be candid, the transfer of one million dollars into a relatively new account typically draws attention. Although the transaction was successfully processed, our compliance department mandates verification whenever atypical account activity is detected."
Jason acknowledged this with a nod, maintaining a neutral tone as he replied:
"That is understandable. I presume this is part of your standard protocol."
"Indeed," Melissa concurred. "However, it extends beyond mere procedure. Upon reviewing your account, we observed several promising indicators. You are young, your spending habits are prudent, and you have sustained an unusually stable credit score for someone of your age. This combination is uncommon and personally piqued my interest."
'Stable, is it? Well, what do I know?' Jason thought to himself, gazing toward the frosted glass.
He observed her as she spoke.
Her voice conveyed no suspicion, only measured curiosity.
Composed, Jason responded:
"I appreciate your observation. However, I should clarify that I am not currently affiliated with any company or business network. The funds originated from a private transaction that concluded successfully recently."
He had carefully considered this fabricated explanation beforehand, deeming it preferable to referencing a company with which he had no association.
Melissa offered a faint smile.
"I understand. I do not wish to intrude on personal matters, Mr. Jason, but may I inquire whether this transaction is part of an ongoing arrangement likely to yield similar returns?"
Jason paused momentarily and exhaled deeply.
"Possibly. There are several other arrangements currently in progress that could yield comparable results."
...This statement was not entirely untruthful.
He expressed it with assurance, although internally he was fully aware of the reality. The one million dollars originated directly from the system's reward for defeating Angela. He had not forgotten the expression on her face at the conclusion — an amalgamation of defiance, disbelief, and self-reproach. Rather than evoking pride, the memory brought to mind the ironic nature of how his new reality rewarded what would previously have been considered mere pleasure, beyond the emotional context.
When Melissa inquired whether he had other agreements capable of generating similar returns, it was evident that he did. With the system in place, as long as he continued to conquer individuals like Melissa and others, while completing quests, he was assured perpetual wealth.
Melissa gently closed the folder and folded her hands.
"In that case, I believe this opportunity may be of interest to you. Crestwood Central offers a private investment program tailored for high-net-worth clients. This program facilitates asset management, investment diversification, and business networking for qualified members. Given the nature of your account, you meet the criteria for participation."
Jason regarded her attentively, raising an eyebrow.
"Are you suggesting that the bank intends to assist me in growing my wealth?"
She responded with a soft laugh.
"In a manner of speaking, yes. However, it extends beyond that. You would be assigned a dedicated investment advisor, gain access to our exclusive internal property listings, and establish connections with other prominent investors in Crestwood. Simply put, it is a partnership rather than a mere transaction."
Jason reclined slightly, brushing his blonde hair away from his face.
"That is a generous proposal. I assume such arrangements are not extended to everyone."
"Certainly not," Melissa replied smoothly. "Only clients who demonstrate both financial stability and long-term potential are considered. The program is not publicly advertised; it is strictly by invitation. Your presence here indicates that the board has already approved your eligibility."
"Already so swift?"
He responded with a slight nod.
"I am honored, though I must confess I did not anticipate receiving such attention from a financial institution."
Melissa's lips formed a subtle smile.
"At Crestwood, we prioritize potential, Mr. Jason. Individuals who ascend rapidly are often those who identify opportunities where others perceive risks. From my observations, you appear to be someone who discerns value before it becomes apparent to others."
Jason maintained eye contact for a moment.
While the compliment was flattering, he recognized its strategic intent.
Nevertheless, her assured demeanor had an impact.
"That may well be the case," he replied casually. "What would be the initial step if I were to participate?"
She retrieved another document from her folder.
"You would start by authorizing a managed investment account. Our advisors would then analyze your financial information and develop a preliminary growth strategy. Additionally, you would be invited to our monthly investor brunches, which are attended by Crestwood's leading business figures; from real estate developers and fashion executives to logistics operators and occasional politicians. Such connections often facilitate broader ventures."
Jason's thoughts quickly aligned with the proposal. This arrangement was ideal. The system would continue to yield financial returns as he progressed, and this investment program would provide a legitimate framework for those funds. Observers would not question the source of the money if they saw it increasing through official channels. It was an elegant solution, precisely as he had hoped.
He smiled faintly.
"That appears promising. I will review the details and provide you with a response shortly. Is that acceptable?"
"Certainly," Melissa replied with a courteous nod.
"There is no urgency. However, should you decide to proceed, I will have one of my assistants personally manage the paperwork. We want our partners to feel that their time is respected."
Yes. She intrigued Jason, not as a potential Milf conquest, but as a representative of the world he was about to enter.
As he rose from his chair, Melissa stood as well, extending her hand once more.
"It has been a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Jason. I hope this marks the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship."
Jason returned the handshake with a smile.
"Likewise, Ms. Grant."
She made a subtle gesture toward the door and handed him her business card.
"My assistant, Claire, will escort you back to the lobby. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. You now have my card."
Jason placed the card into his pocket and offered a slight smile.
"Thank you."
He followed Claire down the corridor. The marble floor reflected the subdued ceiling lights as they passed the reception area and exited the building.
***
Once outside, Jason observed the flow of pedestrians and vehicles before quietly retracing his steps, contemplating the proposal recently extended by the bank manager.
Melissa Grant's offer represented an opportunity — one that, to him, signified access, prestige, and influence. Over time, he believed these elements would converge under his control.
As Jason proceeded toward the taxi queue, his thoughts briefly returned to Angela. The anger she had expressed when he had involved her at the hotel had since receded into the background of his mind, supplanted by a calculated resolve. Daisy was next, and this time, he intended to adopt a different approach.
Crestwood was populated by individuals pursuing power, and Jason aspired to become one of the few who successfully attained it.
He entered a taxi, provided the driver with his address, and reclined as the vehicle merged into traffic. Through the rear window, the bank building diminished in the distance.
...For Jason, it already symbolized the foundational cornerstone of his expanding ambitions for wealth and influence.
'This is becoming quite intriguing, to be honest.'