Richard Clarke hadn't slept.
For three nights, he'd lived on coffee, whiskey, and desperation.
His office looked like a war room. Contracts covered every surface. Lawyers came and went. Phones rang without stopping.
Nothing was working.
The Riverside Project had officially suspended construction.
Three investors had demanded an audit.
Two major clients had postponed signing new contracts.
And worst of all...
People had started asking questions.
"Who actually designed Clarke Properties' award-winning buildings?"
One question.
That was all it had taken.
His secretary knocked cautiously.
"Mr. Clarke... they're here."
Richard straightened his tie.
"Send them in."
Three people entered.
The chairman of his board.
His chief financial officer.
And the company's legal adviser.
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