Chapter 7

The plane touched down at Silvergate International Airport.

As I set foot on this familiar ground, my heart stayed calm and steady. No nerves about coming home, no sentimental sighs over how things had changed.

To me, this was another stop for work. Nothing more, nothing less.

Time Magazine sent a car to pick me up.

The car drove through the bustling downtown. Skyscrapers lined the streets, like when I left.

But every now and then, I'd catch a glimpse of the Sterling Holdings logo flashing on a giant electronic billboard.

Or sometimes, there'd be a luxury brand ad featuring…