I recognized it immediately.
The same rough voice I had heard through the security recording.
Victor Raines.
And he was not alone.
Part 8 — The Eight-Million-Dollar Promise
Victor entered the ballroom with two men following several steps behind him.
He was broad-shouldered, expensively dressed, and visibly angry.
He had apparently arrived expecting to collect on Derek’s promise.
Instead, he found a room full of departing investors and a financial report exposing the company’s problems.
“Derek,” Victor called again. “We need to talk.”
Derek backed away from the microphone.
“Victor, not now.”
Victor continued walking.
“You told me the documents would be signed this morning.”
Several guests turned toward him.
Derek looked around nervously.
“Please. We can discuss this somewhere else.”
Victor stopped near the stage.
“Your company owes my associates eight million dollars. You promised a way to secure that obligation.”
His eyes moved toward me.
Then toward the lawyers standing nearby.
