World's Richest Man: I Leaped Across Time

Chapter 161 Bounty

Emily Heart leaned back on the couch, her arms crossed, her expression tense. She had a look that told me she was already thinking of ways to refuse.

"I really can't do this," she started, her voice low but firm. "You're asking me to help you create a Super PAC, to help you pull strings in politics. If I do that, I'm putting myself directly at odds with the Johnson family."

I made a small smile. "No, Emily, you only need to help me establish the company and provide the channels so that the company can publish paid articles in newspapers and on TV. Sam isn't included in this either, so it's not like you're helping him."

She looked at me like I'm dumb. "You're oversimplifying. Once you've got this PAC set up, you could easily use it to support politicians who will change the laws—laws that might just benefit Sam. I can't put myself in that position. I'll have to refuse."

My smile vanished. I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice to a cold, almost predatory tone. "This is your only chance to redeem yourself, Emily. Think about it."

Emily's eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. "You're overly confident. What could you possibly do to me? Even if you have some power, my family's wealth and influence are much larger than yours."

I chuckled lightly. "You don't have a single clue about what I'm capable of... You only see the surface."

As I said this, I could see the confidence she walked in with, faltering just a little.

Before she could respond, Liliana, who had been quietly standing by, finally spoke. "If you refuse, Mrs. Heart, you will need to pay a penalty of one point."

Emily's face tightened, frustration clearly bubbling beneath the surface. "There's no way I'm throwing away a point on this!" She bit her lip, trying to find a loophole. "Does it have to be media under my family's control that helps with this outreach, or can I bring in others?"

"No, it doesn't have to be your family. But I need solid sources—people who can actually make an impact. No half-hearted favors, Emily."

Her jaw clenched hard enough I could almost hear it. She looked away for a moment, staring at the far wall, weighing her options.

After what felt like an eternity, she let out a defeated sigh. "Fine," she said, her voice tight. "I'll do it. But don't expect me to be happy about it."

I raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you're being scammed. You stand to profit from this too."

Liliana nodded, confirming the deal.

Emily's eyes flicked from Liliana back to mine. "So... can you give me some details?"

"Of course," I said, satisfied. The real work was about to begin.

The Super PAC I had in mind would be a machine—a company buying advertisements, collecting donations and funneling money into political campaigns. A behind-the-scenes juggernaut.

With the media backing me up, I'd support the right politicians and shape the laws that favored me—and anyone else smart enough to back me.

Other than Emily, I planned to bring in a few more people into this project.

I instructed Emily to find someone that would become the puppet owner of the company and explained to her that the company would accept money only from donors with libertarian views.

Reluctantly, Emily listed to what I had to say and then left the room looking extremely frustrated.

After Emily left, Liliana, sitting nearby, caught my eye. "You have five points left now, Mr. Somnus."

"Ehh. How did you get so many points that quickly, Miss Operator?" I asked her, curiously.

A small, knowing smile spread across her face. "I did one of the special favors," she replied smoothly. She glanced toward the door. "Now, you should go. One of them is about to be announced."

I didn't press for details. I nodded, standing up and heading back to my table.

Not long after I returned, the lights dimmed again. The low murmurs faded into silence as everyone turned their attention to the stage.

Stepping onto it was someone dressed completely out of place—a figure in a white mask without a face, wearing a casual white t-shirt and black shorts. However, it could literally be tasted how serious everyone was, just like when the woman scientist spoke.

"I have a favor to ask," a voice boomed, unnaturally deep, probably modulated to hide their true identity, "on behalf of the founders of the Freewinds Club."

Everyone listened; even Soros's face turned focused.

"The reward for completing this favor will be fifty voting points," they declared, pausing.

Fifty points…

"It's first to complete, first to take," the figure added.

The room held its breath as they laid out the task.

"We are looking for a certain man. Someone who has betrayed the club and escaped to Russia, at least that's the last place we got in touch with him. There is a high probability that this individual has given away the secrets of the club up to the XI of the XV operating levels… to the Russians."

"His name is Hunter Rothschild, and we will grant fifty points to the person who can confirm his whereabouts. We don't expect you to catch him, or bring him back. Just confirm where he is."

Fifty points for a location. No one could pass by such an offer, but clearly it wasn't that easy; otherwise, the higher-ups of the club would have long found the man.

Hell, he could be dead already.

The figure stepped back behind the scene and the hunt for Hunter Rothschild was on.

Some members were already texting on their phones, probably getting their people to investigate.

Was there anything else I needed to do here? It seemed like it was time to remove myself from this meeting.

Although, I still hadn't figured out what that Soros's guy was discussing with the scientist.

'What else can I do but ask him in person?' I thought.

With that, I stood up, adjusted my suit and made my way through the tables to where Soros was seated with his group. As I approached, they looked at me, curious.

"Good evening, Mr. Soros. What a great night, isn't it?" I said with a smile.

Soros looked at me calmly. "It is... I'm sorry, but who are you?"

"Oh, Mr. Soros doesn't know me; I wouldn't expect that. I'm Jack Somnus, new to the club."

One of the men at the table quickly chimed in, filling Soros in. "He's an investor, very lucky, from what I hear."

Soros gave a slight nod, assessing me. "I see. So, what do you want here, Mr. Somnus?"

I turned my gaze to the man in the dark red suit sitting next to him. "Actually, I'd like to ask a question. What's your name, sir?"

The man looked caught off guard. "Uh... Alfred."

"Alfred... okay. Could I ask you something?"

"Sure... go ahead." He hesitated, a bit flustered.

"Do you have a romance with the scientist of this club?"

Alfred blinked, clearly rattled. "What do you mean, sir?"

"What DOES he mean, Alfred?" Soros cut in, his voice sharp.

I leaned slightly toward Soros, my voice calm. "Oh, so you don't know? Alfred here was talking privately with the woman in the white suit." I turned to Alfred. "Damn. I'm sorry, Alfred. I just wanted to get to know you, especially since you have such contact with her, but I guess I've made things complicated for you."

Alfred's face flushed as he stammered, clearly at a loss for words.

I nodded at Soros, offering a polite smile. "Anyway, have a great night, Mr. Soros."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and made my way downstairs, leaving the hall and stepping into the night.

Just a few minutes later, I was on the heli going back to Gainessvile.

I needed to call Ava and prepare for the meeting with Jacob and Lucy.