The first client pulls out at seven AM, twelve hours before the café meeting.
Marcus calls with the news. "TechVenture just terminated their contract. Effective immediately. They're citing concerns about leadership stability and reputational risk."
"Because of the journal leak." I'm already pulling up my laptop, checking emails. "How bad is it?"
"Bad." His voice is grim. "And Vi, they're not the only ones. I've got two more clients requesting emergency meetings this morning. They're spooked."
By nine AM, three major clients have pulled a combined five million dollars in business. By ten, it's five clients and eight million. The phone won't stop ringing with concerned investors, nervous partners, reporters wanting comments.
"This is Richard." I'm in Liam's office, watching our company
