Alexander’s POV

Voices fly over my head. My lawyers strongly oppose going forward with the deal, while Mr. Rose’s lawyers apologetically explain their oversight and give a million-and-one reasons why we shouldn’t back out of the deal.

Mr. Rose sits nearby and has tapped my thigh at least twice now, meeting my gaze with the most apologetic and shameful gaze.

I can only respond with a forced smile, phone in my hand.

So far, the only positive has been that it’s just one regulatory flag, ...