Chapter 21: The Devil's Bargain
The coffee shop Kai had chosen was upscale but not ostentatiously so the kind of place where power deals happened quietly. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city. The furniture was modern and minimalist. Everything about it whispered money and intelligence.
Kai Park sat at a corner table, already settled with a cappuccino, when Jaden and April arrived. He stood to greet them, shaking hands with a practiced charm that made April's skin crawl.
"Jaden, April. Thank you for meeting with me," Kai said, gesturing for them to sit. "Can I order you anything?"
"Just answers," April said flatly, not bothering with pleasantries.
Kai smiled, as if he'd expected nothing less. "Direct. I appreciate that. Let me be equally direct: I believe Jaden has professional-level potential. I've been scouting competitive gaming talent globally for five years, and I can count on one hand the players with his combination of speed, strategy, and mental resilience."
