Red warning lights blinked at the edges of the screen as the timeline rolled into the second year. The island resort's cash flow had run bone-dry.
Two men representing the creditors stood in the lobby, waving workers along as they loaded medieval oil paintings and antique sculptures onto a truck. One of them pointed at Chris.
"We're taking the collateral. You've got three days to make up the rest. If you can't, I'm taking over the franchise rights to this island."
Chris leaned against the doorframe and didn't move.
Sophia wheeled two big crocodile-skin suitcases toward the door.
"Mother. Where are you going?" Chris said.
"Those dark web mercenaries are parked outside every single day. I'm going back to my old estate in Vesper to lie low for a while." She pushed his hand away. "Clean
