Jake finalized the payment that afternoon.
There was no resistance this time. No delays. No quiet obstruction hidden behind procedure and paperwork. Sterling National Bank moved with an efficiency that felt almost uncomfortable to watch, as if the institution was trying too hard to prove it had never stood in his way at all.
The same recovery department that had stalled him for days now became almost excessively cooperative. Signatures were already prepared before he arrived. Documents were printed and waiting. Staff spoke with careful, measured politeness, every word chosen as though the wrong tone might carry consequences.
Daniel Reeves handled the process personally.
He stood the moment Jake entered the office.
"Mr. Jake," he said quickly, offering a tight professional smile. "Thank you for coming. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by… administrative miscommunication."
