(Start of Week 27. Theo's Balance: $69,218.00)

  Week 27 - Monday

  The dawn of Week 27 felt different. Sharper. The low hum of anxiety that had been Theo’s constant companion for months had receded, replaced by the cold, clear frequency of predatory focus. Maria’s Charcoal Chicken, his first real asset, was humming along under Henry’s increasingly capable command, generating a steady, significant stream of cash. His sabotage campaign against ‘Something Fishy’ had landed with devastating effect, leaving the rival shop crippled and its owner ripe for the picking. The board was set. Now, it was time to execute the endgame.

  Monday morning began not with Theo rushing to the shop, but with a knock at his apartment door slightly before 9 AM. It was Henry, looking professional and holding a neatly organized folder.

  "Morning, boss," Henry greeted him, stepping inside when Theo gestured him in. "Got that hiring update for you."

  Theo led him to the small kitchen table, clearing away the remnants of his slow breakfast. "Alright, let's hear it."

  Henry opened the folder. "Okay, so we reviewed the twelve applications that came in over the weekend for the two part-time spots. Olivia, Jenny, and I interviewed the top five yesterday afternoon." He laid out brief, typed notes on each candidate. "We were unanimous on the first choice. Guy named Alex, college student, flexible hours, worked six months at a pizza place, seemed really sharp and picked up on the workflow description quickly. Solid." He slid that application to the top.

  "For the second spot," Henry continued, "it was closer. Two decent candidates. Maya, no food experience but super enthusiastic, great attitude, reminded us a bit of Olivia actually. And Ben, older guy, lots of fast-food experience years ago, reliable, but maybe a bit slower energy." He paused. "We leaned towards Maya. Figured attitude and energy fit the team better, and we can train the skills like we did with Jenny." He also handed Theo a separate sheet. "And this was the other kid we thought has potential, Liam, a high schooler. Really smart, asked insightful questions, but his school schedule conflicts with our peak evening needs right now. Kept his details like you asked."

  Theo scanned the notes, impressed by the thoroughness and clear reasoning. They hadn't just picked warm bodies. They'd assessed fit, potential, and team dynamic. "Good work, Henry. Really thorough." He tapped the applications for Alex and Maya. "Offer them the positions. Standard starting rate ($20/hr), explain the bonus structure. Aim for them to start training shifts next week if possible." He pushed the folder back. "You three handled this perfectly. No need to run routine hiring by me anymore unless you hit a major snag. However, keep an eye out for any good candidates, always good to have a list we can draw on in case new opportunities pop up."

  Henry beamed, the trust clearly registering. "Got it, boss. Thanks!" He gathered the papers, ready to head straight to the shop. Theo felt another layer of operational burden lift. Delegation worked.

  His next appointment was downtown, Monday afternoon, at the discreetly expensive offices of Parker & Associates, Business Brokers. Mr. Parker greeted him with the same cool efficiency as their phone call, ushering him into a minimalist conference room overlooking the city skyline, a view Theo barely registered, his focus entirely on the matter at hand.

  "Mr. Sterling," Parker began, sliding a thin file across the polished table. "As discussed Friday, we formally withdrew the initial offer on 'Something Fishy', citing operational instability. As predicted, the silence has clearly had the desired effect."

  "You've heard from them?" Theo asked, keeping his voice level.

  "Indeed," Parker confirmed, a flicker of professional satisfaction in his eyes. "Received a call just before lunch today from a Mr. Henderson, who apparently acts as Mr. Davies' informal advisor, likely a friend trying to salvage the situation. Mr. Henderson indicated his client is now under significant financial duress due to the, ah, 'recent unfortunate events'. Specifically the shop closure following the plumbing failure, and is 'extremely motivated' to secure a rapid, as-is sale to avoid imminent creditor actions or potential bankruptcy proceedings." Parker steepled his fingers. "He inquired if 'Plus One Investments' might reconsider making an offer, perhaps something 'more reflective of the underlying equipment value'."

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  Theo allowed himself a small, internal smile. Circling the drain, just like Parker said. "And our response?"

  "Standard procedure," Parker replied smoothly. "Expressed surprise at their re-engagement after rejecting our initial 'generous' offer. Feigned continued hesitation given the now confirmed operational failures and likely water damage mitigation costs. Indicated that any new offer from our side would need to significantly factor in these increased risks and the distressed nature of the sale." He paused. "Essentially, Mr. Sterling, we've reset the negotiation baseline firmly in our court. The next move is theirs, and it will almost certainly be much lower than their initial sixty-thousand counter."

  "Excellent," Theo said simply. He then leaned forward slightly, his gaze hardening. "Mr. Parker, just to reiterate. My primary concern throughout this process, beyond securing the asset at the optimal price, is anonymity. Plus One Investments is the buyer on record. My personal name should remain entirely insulated from the transaction beyond the legally necessary LLC filings which are already obfuscated via registered agent services. Your firm's discretion in this matter is paramount."

  Parker met his gaze without flinching. "Understood completely, Mr. Sterling. Standard practice for many of our clients seeking strategic acquisitions. Your name will not appear on any direct offer or final sale documents presented to the seller or their representatives. Plus One Investments LLC will be the sole entity involved. Confidentiality is assured."

  "Good," Theo nodded, satisfied. "Keep me apprised the moment they make their next move."

  Week 27 - Tuesday

  Tuesday morning. Back in his apartment, Theo found himself with stretches of unstructured time, a luxury still feeling novel. Maria's was running smoothly under Henry, a quick check of the Ring cameras confirmed the morning prep was underway efficiently. The 'Something Fishy' acquisition was in Parker's capable hands, currently a waiting game. His next venture research, was still a work in progress. While the luthier tools felt promising, he still needed to do more research about it. When dealing with experts of their field, one wrong move could expose his secrets. Perhaps it would be worth doing a bit more investigation before diving head first into this. Plus his existing ventures still had some leeway for growth, so he was in no hurry.

  He cooked himself breakfast again, enhancing the bacon, eggs and toast (Charge 1, 2 and 3 out of 10) felt like a small, justifiable perk and as he has been doing recently, actually sat down to eat it slowly, savouring the simple flavours and the quiet. He stood in his kitchen, the morning sunlight slanting through the grimy window. The familiar urge for caffeine surfaced, but this time, the thought of coffee didn't trigger the phantom jitters or the memory of pacing his apartment like a madman. The intense aversion born from the multi-cup experiment seemed to have finally faded, replaced by a simple desire for a good cup. Not experimental, not merely functional, but enjoyable. A small luxury.

  He bypassed the dusty box of basic tea bags he'd resorted to recently. Instead, he opened a sealed bag of higher-quality, locally roasted beans he’d treated himself to with his increased living budget, dark, oily beans that released a rich, promising aroma as he opened the bag. He measured them carefully into his cheap blade grinder, the whirring sound less grating now, more like a prelude. He brewed the coffee using the simple drip machine he’d previously enhanced, its +1 Consistency ensuring optimal water temperature and flow rate.

  As the dark, fragrant liquid filled his favourite mug (also permanently +1 enhanced for durability and perhaps subtle heat retention), he paused. This wasn't for data. This was for pleasure. He focused briefly on the steaming cup. Coffee. +1 Overall Quality. Ping. The familiar resonance flowed, settling into the brew. (Charge 4/10 used for the day).

  He lifted the mug, inhaling deeply. The aroma was transformed, the harsh edges smoothed away, replaced by deep notes of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and something almost floral. He took a cautious sip, then a longer, more appreciative one. Perfect. The +1 enhancement, applied purely for enjoyment, elevated the already decent beans to another level. It was perfectly hot, incredibly smooth, the complex flavours amplified and balanced with zero bitterness or acidity. The caffeine hit felt clean, sharp, focusing his mind without a hint of the unpleasant buzz from the week before. He remembered the George Clooney Nespresso ad, and how satisfied and content he seemed when sipping his Nespresso coffee, he honestly felt a bit like that, the delightful coffee washing away Theo’s fatigue with that sweet +1 caffeine. He mentally made a note that he would have to do this more often.