An elderly attorney named Franklin Webb sat at the head of the table. He represented Crestline Development Group, the corporation that had purchased Belmont Maritime’s debts eighteen months earlier.

“Once the trust requirement is certified,” Amelia said, “the released funds will settle the outstanding balance.”

Franklin opened a leather binder. “There has been a change.”

Amelia stiffened. “What kind of change?”

Samuel stepped forward. “Before anything is signed, everyone should know that Matthew Mercer has misrepresented himself.” Matthew did not react. Samuel opened his folder and spread documents across the table.

“No stable employment history. No property in his name. No corporate biography. No credible financial record. Even his address is a month-to-month apartment owned by a shell company.”