…signaling the financial catastrophe that had just been set in motion. Richard and Vanessa were still savoring the fleeting thrill of their public spectacle, blissfully unaware of the storm about to tear through their carefully curated world.

“Richard!” the CFO gasped, breathless, nearly stumbling over his words. “There’s—there’s been a massive withdrawal. Eight hundred million dollars. It’s gone. Jamal Rivers pulled out.”

Richard’s face went rigid, his victorious grin dissolving into confusion, then naked panic. Vanessa’s laughter caught in her throat, twisting into a strangled cough as reality struck. The room—once a showcase of their arrogance—now felt like a massive creature closing in around them.

“What do you mean, gone?” Richard snapped, his voice splintering under the pressure. “That’s impossible. This has to be a mistake. How could he—why would he—?”

The CFO shook his head, eyes flicking nervously toward the growing cluster of whispering guests. “Sir, Jamal Rivers isn’t just another attendee. He’s the chairman of Rivers Holdings. He controls the very deal this company was built on.”