Then came the sound of clinking glasses.
Eleanor spoke first.
“Finally, Eric. You’re doing something useful. Living in this place always made you look like a guest in your own marriage.”
The house had belonged to my late grandmother. It was entirely paid off, and the deed had been held exclusively in my name for eight years before I even met Eric.
Sarah chimed in next. “Richard only needs the liquidity for three months. Once the new private equity investors lock in, everything gets paid back.”
The man with the briefcase spoke up. “I have the draft for the collateral guarantee, the tax records, and the authorization form you provided. The forged signature isn’t flawless, but for the initial underwriting phase, it will pass compliance. We’re looking at a $1.25 million credit line.”
The air felt as if it had been sucked entirely out of my lungs.
Richard let out a long, heavy sigh of relief. “That saves Nebula Systems.”
