Chapter 7

Carson had always been proud—arrogant, even.

Admitting he'd failed, admitting he owed hundreds of millions of dollars, was more painful than losing all his money or status.

"Any assets left to liquidate?" I asked, my voice steady.

"Nothing," he said, shaking his head.

A bitter, self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips.

"The mansion, the cars, every piece of property—I put it all up as collateral for the bank.

"When the company folded and got liquidated, it all got taken. Nothing's left but this mess."

He glanced around the tiny, worn apartment, his voice softening. "Even this place... if the bank…