Rain struck the windshield of Evelyn’s Mercedes in a relentless rhythm, matching the headache pulsing behind her eyes.
The dashboard clock read 8:45 p.m.
It was Tuesday, though the day felt as though it had lasted an entire week.
For the past five hours, Evelyn had sat in a glass conference room with bankers, attorneys, and risk officers, persuading them not to withdraw the operating credit keeping her husband’s architectural firm alive. Vanguard Designs had once looked promising. Richard had charm, ambition, and a gift for making clients believe they were buying something revolutionary.
What he did not have was financial discipline.
For three years, the firm had lost money. Projects ran over budget, invoices went uncollected, and Richard continued leasing an expensive office as if appearances could replace revenue. Whenever the company drifted toward collapse, Evelyn stepped in.
She renegotiated loans.
She covered payroll.
She called vendors Richard had offended and repaired the relationships he had damaged.
Tonight, she had done it again.
A leather folder rested in the passenger seat. Inside were signed guarantees that would keep Vanguard Designs operating for another six months. Evelyn had pledged a portion of the investment portfolio her father had established for her before his death.
The decision had cost her more than money.
The bank’s senior lending officer had looked across the table and asked, with painful politeness, whether continuing to rescue Richard’s firm was a sensible use of her assets.
Evelyn had defended her husband.
She had called Vanguard Designs a temporary turnaround challenge. She had explained that Richard was a visionary who needed better operational support. She had promised to oversee the company’s finances personally.
Book Details
More like this
New Releases
