Lucas had fallen back asleep in the hospital bed, still weak and healing.

Bianca stared at her phone, the screen’s glow lighting up her face. The numbers were grim—Phoenix Alliance Group’s stocks had dropped more than 4%, almost hitting the lowest limit again.

The market’s closing bell brought only a short break. It wasn't a real relief. Today’s 9.7% drop had already cost billions and left a heavy cloud over the company’s future. Bianca felt the pressure of tomorrow's building. One ...