PART 3 — Lunch Ends Early
At an exclusive downtown steakhouse, Jasper laughed while Priscilla ordered the restaurant's most expensive wine.
Gillian smiled proudly.
"My son is finally surrounded by successful people."
Jasper checked his phone.
Twenty-seven missed calls.
Most were from investors.
He ignored them.
Another call came through.
His Chief Financial Officer.
He answered with irritation.
"What?"
The voice on the other end sounded panicked.
"We have a serious problem."
"Our largest investors are withdrawing."
Jasper laughed.
"They can't. We signed three-year agreements."
"They're exercising the morality and confidence clauses."
His smile disappeared.
"What are you talking about?"
"They all referenced Robertson Global."
The room suddenly felt colder.
Priscilla frowned.
"What happened?"
Jasper stood.
"I'll handle it."
He rushed outside.
Before he could reach the parking lot, another surprise waited.
A uniformed recovery specialist stood beside the black SUV.
"Mr. Collins?"
"Yes?"
"I'm here to repossess this vehicle."
Jasper stared.
"What?"
"The registered owner has revoked your authorization."
"That's impossible."
"I drive this every day."
The man handed him official documents.
Registered Owner:
Hailey Robertson.
Authorized Driver:
Revoked.
Effective immediately.
His face turned pale.
Gillian marched forward.
"This is harassment!"
The recovery agent remained professional.
"Ma'am, please remove your personal belongings."
The SUV was loaded onto a flatbed.
Hundreds of pedestrians watched.
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For the first time in years—
Jasper had to call a taxi.
