JULIAN

"This pension fund situation," Victoria said around two PM. "Have you made progress recovering the money?"

"The DA has frozen Ethan's offshore accounts," I explained. "But accessing the funds requires court approval."

"How long?" Victoria asked.

"Months," I admitted. "Maybe longer."

"Those employees don't have months," Victoria pointed out.

"I know," I said, frustration evident in my voice.

Victoria was quiet for a moment, thinking. "What if my father helped?" she suggested.

I looked at her sharply. "Helped how?" I asked.

"The Ashford Group could front the pension payments," Victoria explained. "Then recover the funds from Ethan's accounts when they're unfrozen."

Blake sat up straight. "That's a significant offer,"...