Chapter 10

<p>We didn't exactly keep my takeover at CloudBuild a secret, but we weren't shouting it from the rooftops either.</p><p>Still, everyone who needed to know, knew.</p><p>Half a month later, a blog post started making the rounds in our circle.</p><p>The headline read: "Luke Chandler, Sunrise's Fallen Son—Is He Making a Comeback, or Just Flailing?"</p><p>The article laid bare my story: I funded my wife's venture by selling my company, endured five years in the shadows, faced hints of infidelity, and exited dejected after liquidating my stocks.</p><p>The last paragraph said: "Word is, Luke Chandler just made a splash by taking over a tiny tech company valued at only 70 million dollars, hoping for a comeback.</p><p>"But in the eyes of industry insiders, it's nothing more than a desperate move from a guy who can't let go. Without Sunrise to back him up, Luke's story is probably about to fade out for good."</p><p>Alex gave me a call.</p><p>"Did you see that article?" he asked.</p><p>"Yeah, I saw it," I replied.</p><p>"Any idea who's behind it?" he asked.</p><p>"No need to guess," I said.</p><p>Only a handful of people would bother to dig up my history and blow it up right now.</p><p>"Want me to get someone to bury it?" Alex asked.</p><p>"No need. Let them talk," I replied.</p><p>After hanging up, I pulled up CloudBuild's project timeline.</p><p>Having work on my plate kept my mind steady.</p><p>Three days later, I got a call I didn't expect.</p><p>"Mr. Chandler? It's Michael Ford," he said.</p><p>I didn't say anything.</p><p>"I know you don't want to hear from me, but there's something you need to know," he said.</p><p>He kept his voice low.</p><p>"Julia's pushing a new financing plan, trying to bring in a firm called Vulture Capital. You know what kind of reputation they have," he said.</p><p>I knew exactly what he meant.</p><p>Vulture Capital was infamous in the industry, a real vulture fund. They specialized in swooping in on struggling companies, stripping them for parts, and leaving nothing behind.</p><p>"Is she really that desperate?" I asked.</p><p>"Pretty much. The banks have cut her credit by 70%, Riverfront One's launch got delayed, suppliers are chasing payments, and the cash flow will only last two months at most," Michael said.</p><p>I was quiet for a moment.</p><p>"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.</p><p>There was a brief silence on the other end.</p><p>"Because if Vulture Capital comes in, Sunrise won't belong to Julia anymore. Thousands of people will lose their jobs..." Michael said.</p><p>"Mr. Ford," I cut him off. "I have nothing to do with Sunrise anymore. Thousands of jobs aren't my concern."</p><p>"Mr. Chandler..."</p><p>"Honestly, I'm surprised you're calling. I always thought you'd be the first to hope I'd stay out of this," I said.</p><p>There was a long silence on the other end.</p><p>"Mr. Chandler, believe it or not, what happened at the hotel was strictly business. I never had any inappropriate feelings for Ms. Summers," Michael said.</p><p>"Whether I believe you or not doesn't matter anymore," I replied.</p><p>I hung up.</p><p>Sunrise? That had nothing to do with me anymore.</p><p>None of it mattered to me now.</p>