Chapter 1

Sarah wanted me at the Boston steakhouse, she said it was critical.

"Ross & Sons needs this, Alex," she told me, her voice tight.

Mark Jenkins, her COO, would be there, and a Mr. Davies from Nationwide Lifestyle Brands.

This was our ticket, Sarah believed, to the big leagues, a buyout that would change everything for her family's artisanal goods company.

I knew Ross & Sons, its history, its quiet dignity, a dignity my father had helped preserve years ago with a silent investment.

Sarah, though, craved something more, something louder.

The restaurant was dim, all dark wood and hushed voices.

Jenkins was already there with Davies, both men with overly confident smiles.

"Alex, good of you to join us," Jenkins said, his tone dripping with something other than welcome.

Davies smirked. "Sarah tells us you're not much for the business world."

They pushed a wine list towards me, "Something expensive, to celebrate the future?" Jenkins suggested.

"I'm not drinking tonight," I said, a preference Sarah knew well.

They exchanged a look.

"Right, the quiet life," Davies chuckled, tapping a pen on a sheaf of papers, an initial term sheet.

I picked it up, my eyes scanning the clauses.

Predatory, I thought, designed to undervalue, to gut the company.

"Several points here are concerning," I stated, keeping my voice even. "The valuation is significantly low, and these exclusivity terms are restrictive."

Jenkins waved a dismissive hand. "Details, Alex. Lawyers will sort it out."

"These aren't just details, Mark," I replied. "This deal, as it stands, is not good for Ross & Sons."

I saw the trap, the setup. This wasn't a negotiation, it was an ambush.

"I can't support this," I said, placing the papers down and preparing to stand.

Jenkins's face tightened. He pulled out his phone.

"Sarah, Alex is making things difficult," he said into it, his voice syrupy. "He doesn't understand the deal."

I heard Sarah's voice, tinny and impatient, through the phone.

"Alex, just stop creating problems. Let the professionals handle it. Don't ruin this for us."

Her words were quick, decisive. Betrayal felt cold.

I looked at Jenkins, then at Davies. Their smiles were wider now.

The humiliation was a bitter taste, but my resolve hardened. This was more than just a bad deal.