Chapter Five: The One-Dollar Mall

The judge referred the report for investigation and suspended Skydome’s eligibility. After six hours behind closed doors, the creditors accepted Lena’s restructuring. The transfer-price field showed a single figure: $1. Headlines said she had received a mall for nothing. Lena knew Horizon had acquired $3.1 million in taxes, a nine-million-dollar loan, and a promise to reach fifty-percent occupancy in ninety days. She stood in the dark atrium beneath four sleeping rings of railing. “One dollar bought the key,” Ava said. “Every day after this costs real money.” Lena illuminated the construction schedule. “Then every square foot will earn its keep.”