Nicolas had been handling the company well for the past three years. Richard had trusted him. Had stepped back, content to let his son take the reins. The business had grown. Profits had increased. Everything seemed fine. Nicolas had seemed competent, driven, and capable.
But now, reviewing the current project files, Richard saw things he hadn't noticed before. Small inconsistencies. Odd clauses. Strange patterns that didn't add up.
The partnership with the Sinclair Group.
His eyes widened.
His hands clenched the project papers, his knuckles white. The paper crumpled under his grip.
He had been in business for over forty years. He had learned to spot the signs, the subtle clauses, the hidden traps, the language that looked harmless but could destroy everything.
And now, looking at this contract, he saw it all. Every red flag, warning sign, and carefully placed piece of a puzzle that was designed to bring them down.
