Chapter Three: Not for Sale to Northport

“Give me one week,” Veer said. “If he loses control again, I'll move him out myself.” Salin stared. “Northport may withdraw in a week.” “Take the three million out of my summer bonus.” That ended the meeting. Before Duran's window closed, Lin saw the director's role compatibility fall from forty-one to thirty-eight. The system was not prophecy. It merely recorded how arrogance eroded a man. Kovac was not grateful. “My bags are packed.” He cornered Lin in the empty dressing room, tall enough to cast a shadow across half the wall. “Who gave you the right to refuse for me?” “I didn't refuse for you. I stopped them deciding your value cheaply.” “You want to use me to prove yourself.” “Yes,” Lin said. “You can use me to prove them wrong.”