Vanguard Designs did not collapse with an explosion.

It disappeared through signatures, notices, and locked accounts.

By Friday afternoon, Richard sat alone in his glass-walled office.

The desks outside had been cleared.

Sarah, Liam, and Julian had a

The notice attached to the oak double doors of the Oakridge estate was impossible to ignore.

It had not been printed on neon paper, nor did it contain the dramatic language Richard imagined the neighbors would enjoy repeating. It was a plain white legal document e

The apartment exposed how few practical skills the family possessed.

At Oakridge, groceries appeared in the refrigerator according to a weekly plan. Meals were prepared in advance or arranged through a service. Cleaning supplies remained stocked, towels were replace