Chapter 59

Camille's point of view

"They rejected our offer."

Rebecca's words hung in the air between us, impossible, unthinkable. The folder in her hands contained the formal response from Rodriguez Shipping, a single page declining our "generous proposal" with diplomatic language that barely masked the defiance beneath.

"That's not possible," I said, my voice too quiet even to my own ears. "They're broke. Desperate. Days from complete collapse."

"Mr. Rodriguez was quite firm." ...