“Something about these numbers doesn't add up.”Brandon sat at the small dining table in his apartment with Norway's folder open in front of him. He had been going through the documents again since returning home, comparing the financial statements with the supplier agreements and the previous project reports.The more carefully he examined them, the less convinced he became that the project was simply suffering from poor management.He opened another document on his laptop and entered the names of the three companies that had caught his attention.All three had different names, different registration numbers and different listed directors. On paper, there was nothing immediately suspicious about them.Brandon checked their addresses, and his fingers stopped on the keyboard, the three companies were registered at the same building.“That can't be a coincidence.”He leaned closer to the screen and compared the dates of their registrations. One had been established less than two months

A knock came from the doorway.Jake turned sharply to see Leo walking inside holding a small box.“Daddy, can we buy the new Lego set today?”Jake stared at him without responding, as he isn't in a mood to play along with Leo's request at this moment."Daddy, why aren't you responding to me?""Leo, Daddy is busy right now, whatever it is, we will talk later." Leo moved closer and lifted the box excitedly.“No, we need to talk right now, that's it, you promised me you'll buy me a Lego set and playstation, it's been days, but daily you're coming with new excuses. You said I could choose where to put both Lego set and playstation when we move to the new house…. When are you buying those for me and when are we moving to a new house?" Jake rubbed his forehead. “Not now, Leo…. Go and play.”“But you promised.”“I said not now.” Jake said coldly, but Leo wasn't someone who understands his father's frustration and acted stubborn. “But you said we were going to have a big house and my own r

“We need to discuss your outstanding payment,” the creditor reminded him, his tone becoming increasingly firm.Jake tightened his grip on the phone, struggling to keep his voice under control. “I’ve told you repeatedly that I’m doing everything I can to arrange the money. Even now, I’m still looking for a way to clear your debt. I swear, the moment I get the money, you’ll be the first person I pay off.”For the first time, he decided to be honest. Unlike his other creditors, this man was ruthless and dangerous, and Jake couldn’t afford to lie to or offend someone like him.“We've heard that before as well, Mr. Jake. Every time you've asked for more time, you've promised that the payment would be made soon. Just a few days ago, you were speaking to us with plenty of arrogance. Where is that attitude now? Why don't you show us the same confidence by paying what you owe?”Jake's patience began to wear thin. He paced across the living room, glancing at the door as if he was expecting anot

“No…” Victoria answered immediately, and judging by the way Brandon continued studying her, she knew he wasn't satisfied. Before he could press her with another question, she continued, “Trust me, I didn't offer her anything either. I didn't even meet her. I simply handled it in my own way, that's it." Brandon watched her calmly.Part of him believed she was telling the truth. If Victoria had actually met Lyra and negotiated with her personally, he doubted Lyra and Jake would have behaved the way they did at the investors' meet or at the entrance of Norway's company. They had accused him of becoming some old woman's puppet and mocked him for using cheap tricks to win the attention of an old woman, which suggested that Lyra had no idea Victoria was involved.Still, that didn't explain how Victoria had managed to make everything happen so easily.He wasn't completely convinced by her answer, even if he couldn't find anything obviously wrong with it.“Then what exactly did you do? How

“Dad, are we really going to stay here?”Leo glanced at Jake with a puzzled expression. He couldn't understand why his father had brought him to Lyra's house instead of taking him to the big house he had promised. However, he was too afraid to question him or make a scene after being beaten by his father just the previous day.Jake looked down at Leo as they stood outside Lyra's house. The boy was holding onto his hand, his expression already carefully arranged into the frightened look Jake had instructed him to keep.He had already spoken to Lyra over the phone and told her that he would explain everything properly when they met in person. Before arriving, he had given Leo clear instructions on how to behave and what to say, making sure the boy understood exactly what he needed to do so that their plan would go exactly as he wanted.“We don't have anywhere else to go, just act like I've taught you, in that way we can be safe here for a few days till dad sort out everything,” Jake rep