"M-Mr. Thornton. What exactly is this about? Withdrawal?"
The lead counsel stepped forward and produced a thick document.
"Mr. Cross, per the terms of the valuation adjustment mechanism we signed, the only recognized operator on the investor side is Ms. Vivienne Hale. Now that Ms. Hale has formally filed for withdrawal, the VAM is void, effective immediately. We will be pulling the full twenty million in funding. Additionally, since your company is the breaching party, you have thirty days to remit thirty million in liquidated damages."
The lawyer's voice stayed level, but the words landed like a thunderclap.
Damian's knees buckled. He nearly collapsed.
"No. That's not possible."
He spun toward me, eyes bloodshot, a cornered animal.
"Vivienne. What the hell did you do?"
I rose and
