“Why is this happening all of a sudden, Markus?” Rosemary’s voice trembled as she read through the letters in her hands. On the small meeting table, white envelopes piled up like fallen leaves. Each one carried the same message: withdrawal of funds and termination of partnership.

Markus’s expression was grim. “I don’t know either, Rose. Three major investors called me this morning. They said… there’s pressure from someone above. They’re afraid if they stay involved, their reputations might suffer.”

Rosemary frowned. “Pressure? From who?”

Markus lowered his head. “They wouldn’t say.”

Rosemary let out a long, shaky breath, then rose from her chair. She began pacing across the room —...