CHAPTER 16

I’m sitting in my office, the soft hum of the city outside my window almost soothing in its familiarity, when my phone rings.

The name flashing on the screen makes my brow furrow:

Grandpops.

He rarely calls unless it’s something important. Very important.

“Grandpops,” I answer, keeping my voice steady. “What’s going on?”

“Adán, my boy,” his voice crackles with age but holds that authoritative edge that commands attention, “we need to talk. It's crucial.”

I sit up a little straighter, sensing the importance of what's coming next. “I’m listening.”

There’s a pause, and I can almost hear him collecting his thoughts on the other end.

“I’ve been going over the contracts... the ones I signed with the shareholders when I was younger. There’s something I missed, and it affects you.”

My grip on the phone tightens, unease creeping into my gut.

“What do you mean?”

“The contract,” he begins slowly, “it states that for you to fully inherit my business—every asset, every last dime—you have to b