Sofia Lanka looked up and saw the deep sadness in my eyes, which caused a sharp pang in her chest.

She reached out and hugged me, whispering, "Yes, as long as the three of us are together, we'll be okay."

They held onto each other without saying a word, as if time was standing still in that moment.

Sometime later, a knock came at the door.

I released Sofia Lanka and called out, "Come in."

Spencer entered and reported, "Mr. Monroe, the salaries and severance pay for the employees have been disbursed. They'll pack their things and leave by tonight. The shareholders have also taken their shares and left."

As...